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giveafike · 2 months ago

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ben shelton taking you on a date after flirting for months on atp/wta tour 😋

TLDR: Tennisplayer!fem reader x Ben Shelton flirting on tour until Ben acc gets a grip and asks reader out.

EDIT: part 2 here!

Word count + info: 5.1k! A LONG one but I just do not know how to stfu!! Dialogue (including comments, texts, phone calls - lots of flirting and teasing). Mentions of Carlos Alcaraz too (couldn't resist) alongisde Frances Tiafoe and Taylor Fritz.

Character Inspo: She's cheeky n playful (was listening to Promiscuous Girl - Nelly Furtado & 5 Star Hotel - Raye as I was writing this amongst many other similar songs so.... yea...behaviour like Sabrina Carpenter - yk just... fun! I didn't write any specifications but in my head I was envisioning Tyla so! But put whoever you want to cast ;)

Warnings + Content Ahead: SFW, this is sooo cute. There is a little naughty tsk tsk suggestive scene (CAR SCENE - feel free to skip) bit but nothing NSFW, teasing, playful relationship, little jabs here n there, hope its making ur feet kick! I hope it's funny too, like it makes u smile bc I had sm fun writing this !

Azzie Notes ✚: I literally gasped and giggled when I saw this prompt - I can't!!! SO, so, soooo cute I loved this prompt anon pls keep sending me more, you have this writer wrapped around your finger now. I love the idea of Ben with a WTA player, such a cute and fun dynamic!! Anyways, hope you all enjoy ;)

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Game, Set, Match - B.T.S

You stood on the court, the crowd's roar fading into a distant hum as you focused on the match ahead. A small smile played on your lips, and your eyes narrowed in determination. The bright sun overhead felt like a spotlight, buzzing on your skin, illuminating your every move and sharpening each muscle in your body. You were a force to be reckoned with — both polarising and captivating, your quick wit and cheeky banter stirred strong opinions. With a playful shrug and a blown kiss to the crowd, you dismissed the critics, your confidence as effortless as your serves.

Years of competing in Junior Opens had forged your resilience, and now you have been stepping into the world of professional tennis, where the stakes were higher and opponents fiercer. You had navigated this transition well over the past few years, finding your rhythm amidst the pressure, your footing steady on the path to greatness. The attention came quick too, especially with names like Nike wanting you to be an ambassador, and all sorts of products wanting you to be the face of the company, from protein powders to headphones - it was endless. The taste of victory was sweet and addictive, each match bringing you closer to the big prizes and recognition you had longed for. But just when you thought you had everything figured out, a whisper of uncertainty began to tug at the edges of your focus... not a what, but more a who?

In the past year and a half, life on tour has shifted for you in a whole different gear. Don't get it twisted, tennis remained top priority, but there was an undeniable spark that made the grind far more enjoyable and unpredictable, and that spark was no other than Ben Shelton. You first noticed him from afar, where casual nods turned into lingering glances that made the hair on your skin stand. With his raw power, boyish grin, and confidence that radiated from him, "Big Ben" was impossible to ignore. But it was during the Australian Open earlier this year that things between you really began to heat up.

Ben was anything but subtle. Once he set his sights on you, his flirting was relentless. You couldn’t help but feel flattered; it was hard not to get hooked to that buzz. After all, it wasn’t every day that a guy like him, full of charm and a teasing smile paid you so much attention. Others had thrown glances your way and offered compliments, but Ben? He stepped up his game like no one else.

Your first interaction was at a practice session where Ben sat by in the empty stands, right up by the court, arms folded and a smirk on his face. You could feel his gaze following you, his presence hard to shake off, not that you wanted to. As you finish another practice set, you heave, closing your fist to celebrate, and walk over to your bag, glancing up as his eyes light up as you catch his.

“You’re looking decent out there,” he teased, leaning over the railing, his voice laced with a challenge.

You stopped, placing a hand on your hip as you shot him a smirk, squinting up at him as you caught your breath. “Decent? It’s okay, I get it, it must be tough admitting I’m shaping up better than you.”

He laughed, stepping closer, his eyes never leaving yours. “Better? That’s a stretch, Y/N. But I’ll let you keep thinking that.”

You shrugged, a teasing grin playing on your lips. “Believe it or not, it’s happening, Ben,” you winked before slinging your bag over your shoulder and heading toward the tunnel. His chuckle followed you as you disappeared from sight.

The banter didn’t end there, though. Throughout the tournament, you could feel his eyes on you, watching during your matches. On TikTok, he left comments that had both your fans and his buzzing. One day after you posted a training video, he had commented: “You sure you’re training for tennis and not modeling?”

You grinned, tapping out a reply. “I’m great at multitasking. What’s your excuse?”

His response was instant. “Just waiting for you to finally give me a real challenge.”

Comments turned into small conversations as you passed by each other, where you’d joke and flirt like it was the most natural thing in the world. His relentless teasing was addictive.

It cooled off slightly to just a couple of liked stories and posts until Wimbledon had rolled around. By this point, the stakes felt higher. You were in top form, but off the court, the media seemed just as interested in your interactions than your matches. And it didn't end there either, it wasn't long before other peers started piqueing interest. For example, Carlos? He wasn’t subtle either.

After a long match, you were relaxing in the players’ lounge when Carlos wandered over, his smile too bright to ignore. He leaned against the table beside you, casually close.

“You were on fire out there today. Maybe we should hit the practice courts sometime,” he suggested with a casual grin.

You tilted your head, a playful glint in your eyes. “Careful, Carlos. I wouldn’t want to embarrass you in front of your fans.”

He chuckled, shaking his head. “I’ll risk it. Besides, we’re both Nike athletes, we’ve got to stick together.”

Before you could reply, Ben Shelton walked into the room, his gaze locking onto you and Carlos immediately. His smile didn’t falter, but the way he sized up the interaction was hard to miss. He strolled over, hands in his pockets, exuding calm confidence.

“Carlitos,” Ben greeted, his tone casual, though the unspoken tension hung between the lines. “What’s this? Making future practice plans?”

Carlos shot Ben a quick glance, still smiling but aware of the shift. “Just talking about tennis, you know,” he said lightly. “Gotta keep sharp.”

Ben’s eyes flicked between you and Carlos before landing squarely on you. “I’m sure you can manage without help. She’s been getting a lot of attention lately, let her breathe.”

Carlos gave you a light tap on the arm before backing off, offering a polite nod. “Catch you later, Y/N.”

You waved him off with a smile. “See you around, Carlos.”

Once Carlos was out of earshot, Ben shifted a little closer, though still maintaining that casual air. “You’ve got him interested,” he commented, his voice dropping lower.

You looked up at him through your lashes, the corner of your mouth lifting into a sly grin. “What, jealous, Shelton?”

Ben’s grin spread wider, but his tone remained easygoing. “Nah, just keeping tabs. Making sure I’m not falling behind.”

You stood up slowly, meeting his gaze as you adjusted your posture, your eyes glinting with mischief. “I don’t mix business and pleasure, Ben. We’re both Nike—gotta keep it professional.”

He chuckled, tilting his head. “So, you’re saying you’re all business?”

You turned to face him fully, taking a step closer, your voice dropping to a teasing whisper. “Oh, not always. But you’ll have to keep up to find out.”

With that, you brushed past him, leaving a lingering tension in the air. His eyes followed you as you walked away, and you could practically feel his grin growing. The banter was always playful, but now, with each exchange, the stakes seemed to rise; the unspoken understanding was clear: the game was very much on.

As the summer heat intensified, so did the buzz around Nike’s newest campaign. Your latest photoshoot was all about capturing both your athleticism and your bold personality. In a blue baby tee top with a heart-shaped keyhole and a matching skort, you struck poses that screamed confidence, captioned simply: "Ready?"

The comments rolled in quickly, and it didn’t take long before Ben made his appearance.

It didn’t take long for the comments to roll in. And as expected, Ben was quick to chime in.

benshelton:

"You call that ready? Looks more like you’re just warming up."

You chuckled, tapping your response.

Y/N.Y/LN:

"Warming up is all I need to beat you, Shelton."

benshelton:

"Beat me? Let's not get ahead of ourselves... You'd need more than a warm-up for that."

The banter was familiar, yet it always left you with a smirk. You leaned into the challenge.

Y/N.Y/LN:

"Careful, or I might just take that as a challenge."

benshelton:

"I play to win."

The playful back-and-forth didn’t go unnoticed by your fans, but it was clear this game of teasing wasn’t just for show. It must've been a week before it escalated further. You hsd landed a major Victoria’s Secret campaign, and it was unlike anything you had done before. They flew you out to Paris and guided you through the whole thing. The theme was dark and seductive—a fallen angel vibe. Lingerie, lace, and the kind of allure that left little to the imagination. You felt powerful, but also aware of how this would get attention—not just from the public, but from Ben.

You posted one of the shots late that night. The lighting was dramatic, casting soft shadows across your body as you reclined in lace.

The caption was simple yet suggestive: "Best kept secret. VS Summer 2024 Fallen Angel Collection, from me to you."

Naturally, Ben couldn’t resist commenting.

benshelton: Fallen angel, huh? Guess that means you’re trouble.

You rolled your eyes, suppressing a smile as you typed out your reply.

Y/N.Y/LN:: I thought you liked trouble.

It was no surprise when he slid into your DMs right after that.

benshelton: "I do. But you're playing a dangerous game."

You bit your lip, leaning back against your hotel bed. It was late, and the quiet Paris night settled around you, but your heart raced.

Y/N.Y/LN: " A game? Who said I’m playing? "

benshelton: "You might not be playing, but you're already winning."

You hesitated for a moment, then smirked as you typed out your next message.

Y/N.Y/LN: "And here I thought you said you could keep up."

Almost immediately, your phone buzzed again. This time, it wasn’t another text. It was a FaceTime call. You let it ring for a beat or two, your pulse quickening, before answering.

Ben’s face appeared on your screen, his hair slightly damp and his grin all too familiar. "You really know how to mess with a guy’s head, you know that?"

You smiled, pulling your covers up over you and leaning into the pillow. "What’s got you all worked up? It’s just a campaign."

He scoffed, running a hand through his hair. "Just a campaign? C’mon, you know exactly what you’re doing."

You blinked up at him, teasing. "And what is it that I am doing, Ben?"

His grin widened, but there was a glint in his eyes. "You’re pushing my limits. You're tempting me"

You chuckled, biting your lip as you let his words settle over you. "Tempting? Now that’s an accusation if I ever heard one. Maybe you're just easy to push."

Ben raised an eyebrow, viting a smile back as well. "Maybe I am. But you better be careful, or you might get burned."

The heat in his gaze made your heart skip, but you kept your tone light. "I think I can handle the heat."

Ben’s smile deepened. "That’s what I’m counting on."

You stared at each other through the screen, the tension palpable even across the distance.

Finally, you smirked, pulling the covers higher. "Goodnight, Shelton."

He sighed, but his grin didn’t falter. "Goodnight, angel. Sweet dreams."

From there, the texts seemed to pour out. Every random moment, one of you would reply to a post or find some excuse to message or call, any reason to interact. You had a secret surprise up your sleeve which you knew would practically bring Ben to his knees for you if he wasn't there already, and it had something to do with a custom dress for a red carpet.

It was a hot July night in Spain, the night draped itself around you like a warm embrace, the energy of the red carpet charity event still pulsing in the air. Your dress—a stunning, sheer, sand-colored creation—clung to your body in all the right places, slit at the thigh, your hair pinned back, accentuating your glossy, sheen skin on your neck down your shoulders. The dress shimmered under the streetlights, leaving just enough to the imagination, but not too much.

Photos were posted by your team, "behind the scene" shots and red carpet poses. The cameras had devoured every moment, the attention was full on and the night buzzed well. You reveled in the limelight and felt like a true celebrity for the night but, as the evening wore on, you began to feel drained from all the social interactions and wished you could just be alone with your phone, texting the one man who truly kept you on your toes.

Finally, as you collapsed into the backseat of your car, exhausted but exhilarated from the night's events, your phone buzzed with a missed call from Ben. The driver glanced back at you through the rearview mirror as you eagerly turned on your phone and smiled to yourself. In that moment, all you wanted was to be alone with Ben and continue this thrilling game of flirtation and surprises. You call him back after a minute passes, butterflies in your stomach fluttering away.

"Couldn't wait, could you?" you teased, giggling as you leaning back against the plush seat. His grin appeared instantly, filling your screen.

"Wait? After that post?" Ben's voice was a mixture of playful frustration and barely concealed admiration. His eyes roamed over your dimly lit image through the screen as though he could see you sitting there in that dress. "You’ve been trying to kill me with these looks for months, but this? This is the final straw."

You laughed softly, pretending to adjust the neckline of your dress as he clearly struggled to keep his composure. "I'm just doing my job. Don’t get too distracted."

Ben shook his head, a grin still lingering on his lips. "Distracted? I’ve been refreshing Instagram like a madman just to catch another angle of you. And from what I saw, I’m not the only one. You’ve got every guy on tour dropping their jaw."

You smirked, rolling your eyes playfully. "You jealous?"

"Jealous? Let’s see. Alcaraz, Ruud… even Tsitsipas liked your post. You know that guy doesn’t just like anything. But trust me, no one’s more jealous than me," Ben teased, his voice dipping lower.

You laughed softly, brushing a hand over your dress as you adjusted the fabric, playing coy. "Ben, there’s only one person I’m trying to get a rise out of—and it’s definitely not them."

His grin widened, eyes gleaming through the screen,scheming away, "Glad to hear that. So...how about you give me something a little more exclusive?Just a sneak peek. Something that’s all mine."

You crossed your legs slowly, feeling the slit in the dress reveal just a bit more skin, and you caught the driver’s eyes flicking up to the rearview mirror. He quickly cleared his throat and looked away.

You smirked, feeling a rush of boldness. "I'm in public, Shelton. What are you suggesting?"

Ben’s eyes glinted with mischief, his grin widening. "Nothing crazy. Just a little something to hold me over."

You raised an eyebrow, leaning back, the sound of the city humming outside as you sighed. You stretched your legs out across the backseat, angling your body to the side, draping yourself across the backseat for a full body shot. The dress shifted, catching the city light while still being dimly lit, showing off your figure perfectly as you lounged effortlessly. "Is this what you had in mind, Ben? A full shot?" you purred, looking up at your phone, your eyes sweet and innocent.

Ben’s jaw tightened, his chest rising as he exhaled sharply. "Damn, Y/N, I knew you'd look good, but this…" He let out a low whistle, leaning closer to the screen, his eyes glinting and a blush creeping up all over. "You’re not playing fair."

You smirked, enjoying the power shift. "Fair? You asked for it, Shelton."

He laughed, but it was strained, the heat in his voice unmistakable. "Yeah, but you know how to take it to another level. Now I'm the one who's going to be distracted all night." His tone softened, a teasing edge returning. "Just one more reason for me to fly out, don't you think?"

"One more reason?" you echoed, playing with the neckline of your dress, a smile teasing your lips. "I think I’ve given you more than enough."

Ben groaned softly, running a hand through his hair, clearly captivated.

" Y/N, you don’t know what I’d do if I was there right now."

Your heart skipped a beat. "Yeah? What would you do?"

"I’d start with that dress," Ben murmured, his eyes never leaving yours through the screen. "Slowly. You know, just enough to tease. Then—"

The driver cleared his throat, and you bit back a laugh. Ben noticed, his eyes narrowing playfully. "Caught?"

"Almost," you whispered, your pulse quickening as you adjusted in your seat, the thrill of being on the edge of danger sending a shiver down your spine. "You’re getting me into trouble."

"Ben’s gaze softened, though his grin stayed. "Me? You’re the one that looks like that." He paused, his voice low and rough. "God, if I could just be there…"

"Careful," you warned, grinning as you looked at him through half-lidded eyes. "You might lose yourself completely."

Ben’s gaze darkened, and his voice dropped even lower. "Maybe I’m okay with losing it when it comes to you."

You bit your lip, heart racing as you shifted in your seat. The driver’s eyes flicked up to the mirror again, and you quickly glanced away, fighting the blush creeping up your neck. “You’re dangerous, Shelton. Keep talking like that, and I might have to mute you.”

“Go ahead. Mute me,” he dared, his voice thick with challenge. “But I bet you won’t.”

You smiled, a small, teasing hum escaping your lips. “Oh, you think I’m scared?”

“I think you like teasing me as much as I like it.” His voice was gravelly now, every word laced with want.

Your breath caught, eyes wide a bit before you were about to respond when the car pulled up to the hotel. The driver got out quickly, opening the door for you. You stepped out, feeling the cool night air wash over your skin as you walked through the lobby, Ben still watching intently through the screen. You could feel his gaze on you as you made your way to the elevator, the tension between you buzzing like electricity.

Once in your room, you tossed your bag onto the bed and sank down onto the mattress. "Alright," you breathed, "I’m back in my room."

Ben’s voice came through the phone, teasing yet low with interest. "So… how’s that dress treating you?"

You grinned at his not-so-subtle curiosity. "It’s treating me well so far," you teased, running a hand over the fabric. You stood up, positioning yourself in front of the mirror.

Slowly, deliberately, you reached behind you to the zipper. "I’ll give you a little preview."

You lowered it just enough for the strapless dress to reveal a sliver of your smooth back, keeping the front of the dress held firmly in place with your other hand. The exposed skin was just enough to tease.

You turned back slightly, catching his reaction through the screen, his eyes locked on you. "You wanted to see, right?" you whispered, mischief clear in your voice.

Ben let out a breathy laugh, clearly amused. "You really know how to keep a guy on edge."

You shot him a playful look over your shoulder, still holding the dress in place. "It’s all about the suspense. You should know that by now."

Ben's gaze flickered, his tone a bit softer. "You’re making it hard to focus."

With a smirk, you turned to face him, still holding the dress tight. "Goodnight, Shelton."

Before he could say another word, you ended the call, tossing your phone onto the bed, feeling satisfied. You knew he wouldn’t forget that little moment anytime soon.

By the time August had rolled around, the tension between you and Ben was impossible to ignore. Months of teasing, playful banter, and phone calls had built into something electric, something undeniable. Now, you were both in New York for the U.S. Open. The final Slam of the year where you'd cross paths for the year, and maybe the final chance for one of you to make a move.

After winning your third-round match, you made your way through the tunnel, your heart still racing from the adrenaline of your win. The buzz of the crowd still rang in your ears, but as you walked toward the tunnel, you heard familiar voices ahead.

Ben, along with Taylor Fritz and Frances Tiafoe, stood laughing and talking just a few feet ahead. Their voices echoed in the corridor, their banter unmistakable.

“Bro, it’s embarrassing now,” Frances teased. “You’ve gotta ask her out. She’s into you, we all know it.”

Ben groaned, looking exasperated, dragging his hand over his face. “It’s not that easy. I don’t want to screw it up.”

Taylor chuckled. “Screw it up? Dude, she’s been giving you eyes all week. Just make the move.”

Frances nudged him. “It’s not like she’s hiding it either. The way she teases you, she's a green light.”

You smirked, slowing your pace as you approached. They didn’t notice you yet, too absorbed in their teasing.

Ben sighed, rubbing the back of his neck. “I just… I don’t know.”

“They’re right,” you chimed in, finally stepping into view, as you walked by, wiping sweat off your brow, smirking. Their heads snapped toward you, startled. “Take their advice, Benny. It’s 'bout time you did something.”

Ben’s eyes widened as you walked past, your tone light but with an edge of challenge. His friends burst into laughter, both of them slapping Ben on the back, shoving him back and forth.

Frances grinned. “See? Even she's asking you to make a move, man.”

Ben shot him a look, but his gaze lingered on you as you disappeared into the locker room.

Later, after a shower and a change of clothes, you made your way back into the lounge, feeling refreshed but still riding the high of the match. You didn’t expect to run into Ben waiting for you, leaning casually against the wall with his hands in his pockets.

You raised an eyebrow, a slow smirk tugging at your lips. “Stalking me now?”

He pushed off the wall, taking a step toward you, his expression shifting from playful to serious. “No, what-uh, but I... I wanted to catch you before you left.”

“Oh?” You crossed your arms, looking up at him. “What’s up?”

Ben took a breath, looking almost nervous. “About what you said earlier... maybe they’re right. Maybe I have been holding back.”

You cocked your head, feeling your heart quicken at his sudden change in tone. “And?”

“And I think I’m done waiting,” he said, his eyes locking with yours. “Would you want to go out with me? Just us. Dinner, maybe?”

For a moment, the world seemed to be still. Ben, usually so confident and playful, stood before you with a vulnerability that tugged at your heart.

You let the moment hang, letting him sweat just a little before your lips curled into a teasing smile. “About time you asked, Ben.”

His tense shoulders dropped, a grin spreading across his face. “So, is that a yes?”

You let out a small giggle, your voice soft but playful. “Yeah, it’s a yes. Better come like a gentleman though.”

That night, you stood in front of the mirror, adjusting the sweet, soft dress you’d picked out. It was a pale pink dress, fitted at the top with a flowing skirt that flattered your figure perfectly. The neckline was delicate, with thin straps that accentuated your shoulders, and the soft fabric wrapped your waist before cascading down to just above your knees. The dress was sweet and soft, but still undeniably you—playful with a touch of elegance.

You headed down to the hotel lobby, taking a seat as you crossed one leg over the other, checking your socials. At 7pm on the dot, Ben walks in, running a hand through his curls before he sets eyes on you.

Ben stood there in a crisp white button-down shirt, the sleeves slightly rolled up to reveal his strong forearms, accentuating his strong shoulders, paired with dark, well-tailored pants. His curls were just tousled enough to seem like he hadn’t spent hours fixing it, but of course, he had. He looked handsome—maybe even a little nervous.

“You look stunning,” he said, his voice low as his eyes took you in.

You smiled, a soft blush warming your cheeks, as you stood up. “You don’t look so bad yourself.”

He offered you his arm, and you linked yours through his, your fingers brushing over the firm muscles of his bicep as you stepped out into the lobby. There was a quiet buzz between you, the usual playfulness replaced with something softer, more tender.

As you walked to the car, Ben opened the passenger door for you, giving you a gentle smile as you slipped inside. Before he could close the door, you leaned over, reaching for the driver’s side door and popping it open for him.

He chuckled, shaking his head as he got in. “You always keep me on my toes, don’t you?”

You grinned, sitting back in your seat, and pulling your seatbelt over. “Always.”

The ride to the restaurant was comfortable, a soft hum playing through the speakers, "Love is Only a Feeling" by Joey BadA$$, making you smile a bit at his subtle but purposeful details. As the city lights flickered by outside, you felt a sense of calm settle over you. Every so often, your hand would brush against his on the center console until finally, you slipped your fingers into his, holding his hand gently as he drove.

Ben glanced at you, his thumb brushing lightly over the back of your hand. “You seem... different tonight,” he said, his voice soft, almost as if he were trying to figure out the shift in your usual dynamic.

You smiled as you gazed at him. “Different how?”

He hesitated, his grip on your hand tightening just a little. “I don’t know. Less playful. More...”

“Serious?” you finished for him.

He nodded, giving you a small, sheepish grin. “Yeah. I like it, though.”

You let out a soft laugh, leaning your head against the seat. “It’s just nice to finally be doing this.”

When you arrived at the restaurant, a small, candlelit Italian place tucked away in the quieter part of the city, Ben quickly got out and hurried around to open your door again. This time, when you stepped out, you smiled up at him, letting him take your hand. Before you could fully stand, he bent down, bringing your hand to his lips and placing a gentle kiss on your knuckles.

Your heart fluttered at the gesture, the sweetness of it catching you off guard. “Such a gentleman,” you teased, though your voice was softer than usual.

Ben smirked, though there was a hint of nervousness in his eyes. “I’m trying.”

Inside, the restaurant was intimate, with small tables with flickering candles, and soft jazz music playing in the background. Ben led you to a corner table, pulling out your chair before taking his seat across from you. The low hum of other diners provided a cozy backdrop as the two of you settled in.

As you both browsed the menu, you found yourself resting your chin in your hand, watching Ben with a soft smile. He glanced up and caught you staring, a blush creeping up his neck. “What?” he asked, his voice a little breathless.

“Nothing,” you said, your lips curling into a grin. “Just... enjoying this.”

Ben reached across the table, his hand finding yours again. “Me too.”

Dinner was perfect. The pasta was rich, the wine smooth, but what made the evening unforgettable was how easy everything felt between you. Conversation flowed naturally, deeper than it ever had before. You talked about travel plans and places you both dreamed of visiting and shared stories about family traditions—like how your grandmother used to insist on making a very experimental desserts during the holidays, no matter how disastrous it turned out every year.

At one point, you glanced out the window, taking in the soft glow of the city lights before turning back to Ben. “What about you? If you could be anywhere right now… where would it be?”

Ben didn’t hesitate, his eyes locked on yours. “Honestly? Right here. With you.”

You felt warmth rise to your cheeks, your heart skipping at the simplicity of his words. He wasn’t trying to impress you, just telling the truth, and somehow, that made it even more meaningful. You reached across the table again, slipping your hand into his. His fingers intertwined with yours, the gesture now familiar, yet it sent a shiver through you all the same.

“I’m glad you asked me to dinner,” you said quietly, the weight of the night settling around you both.

Ben smiled, his thumb brushing lightly over the back of your hand. “I’m glad you said yes.”

As the night wound down, Ben drove you back to the hotel. The city outside passed by in a blur of lights, but inside the car, everything felt still and comfortable. You held his hand the entire way, feeling the warmth and quiet reassurance of his touch.

When the car pulled up to your hotel, Ben quickly got out, making his way to your side to open the door. You stepped out, and this time, you didn’t let go of his hand. Instead, you turned to him, standing close in the cool night air.

“Thank you for tonight,” you whispered softly, looking up through your lashes.

Ben’s smile was gentle, his eyes warm as they met yours. “Anytime. Thank you for being here, with me.”

Your eyes crinkled as you smiled before you leaned in, pressing a soft kiss to his cheek that lingered for a moment. His skin was warm, and you felt him inhale sharply at the unexpected touch. When you pulled back, your heart was racing, but you smiled up at him, feeling the lingering heat between you.

“Goodnight, Ben,” you said, your voice barely above a whisper.

His gaze lingered on you, and though he smiled, there was a quiet intensity in his eyes. “Goodnight, Y/N.”

You gave his hand one last squeeze before letting go, making your way into the hotel with a soft smile on your lips. You glanced back one last time to see him leaning against his car, a playful wave and your lipstick still visible on his cheek. For once, you weren’t in full control, but somehow, that felt right.

In a world dominated by meticulous moves, it was these quiet moments that grounded you. Now, with someone like Ben by your side, every win, every loss, and every day on the court held more meaning.

Sometimes, the most important victories happened off the court.

#benshelton #ben shelton #ben shelton x reader #thisissolongsorrynotsorry #ILOVEDTHISPROMPT

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risathefairyofshampoo · 4 months ago

Note

Hi! I’m here for your new tarot game:) Happy 1 year anniversary btw 🩷

Your blog definitely reminds me of the song fairy of shampoo by txt, and because of that, I also think of Soobin from txt lol

I wanted to ask what jaehyun from nct’s ideal type is if that’s alright?😊

Jaehyuns ideal type 2024 ୨୧

(Done on the 5th of August, 2024)

Disclaimer: Everything is based on tarot and my intuition. I don't know these idols personally. Take everything that I say with a grain of salt. Let's get started! :)

Note: Ahh Soobin! He is so cute!

This took me a while. He wasn't that communicative. Also I used 2 tarot decks for this reading! Please enjoy ;)

Personality

6oS H, 2oC R, 6oW R, 7oC R, The Magician, 10oC, 5oW, 8oP; 3oC

Uhhhh!!! The energy I'm getting is literally HOT GIRL ENERGY! 🔥🔥🔥

Jaehyuns ideal type isn't an idol. Maybe not famous at all! A more private person! But Instagram comes to my mind... Maybe his ideal type would post a lot on social media (but maybe has a private profile?? 🤔) or maybe an influencer? It's just that he likes it if his partner wouldn't be as successful as him. Of course, they should have their goals and put effort into getting somewhere, but they shouldn't be on his level! Jaehyun also likes smart people! People who you can talk with about everything. Literally basic knowledge about everything! Also, fast thinkers and people who can hold a conversation and that talk very nicely (not necessarily as in what he wants to hear but just very well spoken). He likes someone who is clingy but not all the time! Sometimes, being physical is fine with him, but he doesn't want to be hugged and followed all the time. That's just not what he likes! When it comes to the relationship, Jaehyun isn't the type to be all lovey dovey! I mean, he can have feelings, and he CAN love someone, but the thing is, he wouldn't like a serious relationship that much. Of course, he would like a partner that he likes and they should like him too, but he doesn't like it that much! He also likes his partner to be a little tough... Like just energetic and powerful! His ideal type is also very social! A lot of friends and very outgoing!

The Star R, AceoS R, AceoP, The World, Temperance

Here, the energy is sweeter haha! 🍧 Idk why, but this is lowkey giving 'mommy' haha. Jaehyun likes someone very beautiful like very attractive! I'm being honest with you the energy is very feminine! Like 😅 I'm very sure that he is into women. He likes a woman that also takes care of him. That is there for him. Again, someone that is smart and that can use their knowledge. He might also like someone that is kinda insecure/unsure sometimes so that he can be the one TO HELP HIS PARTNER OUT! I think this does soemthing to his ego. Like look at me being such a good partner.

Visuals

8oS, QueenoP R, QueenoS, The Hanged Man

He likes someone very tall!!! Not that cute looking! Sexy! He likes longer hair and also curls! Jaehyun is also very into natural beauty. Although he has a certain style that he likes he is open to a lot of people! He doesn't mind that much

PageoP R, 7oP R, 4oC, 8oS; The Tower

Again, I think he is very open to a lot of people. His ideal type is there, but he likes to have his options open. Again tall but also skinny/healthy weight. He is very much into pretty people! Like general public pretty! He has high standards for his ideal type! He cares a lot about one's appearance.

Long legs, tan, foreign, general public pretty, big ass, big boobs, skinny, toned, glasses, nice lips, long hair. Tyla is very close to his idealtype/style!!!

୨୧

#nct jaehyun #jaehyun nct #nct tarot #kpop tarot #tarot #kpop #kpopidol #music #tarot cards #tarot reading #aesthetic #risathefairyofshampoo #shampo games

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ncisfranchise-source · 1 month ago

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CBS‘ NCIS: Origins is about “a story I don’t tell,” narrator Mark Harmon’s Leroy Jethro Gibbs tells us midway through the prequel spinoff’s premiere. Specifically, “This is the story of–“

Actually, the end of that sentence is a major spoiler, and the onset of a provocative mystery. And Gibbs’ full declaration, as the forever-analog former NCIS agent puts this story to paper in front of an Alaskan campfire, is bound to figuratively ignite your interest in what lies ahead.

Launching this Monday at a special time (9/8c) with a double-episode premiere, NCIS: Origins is set in the year 1991 — not long after a young Gibbs (played by Austin Stowell) returned from serving in Operation Desert Storm, only to bury his tragically killed wife and young daughter. The series follows Gibbs as he begins his career as a newly minted Special Agent at the NIS Camp Pendleton office, under the tutelage of the legendary Mike Franks (Big Sky‘s Kyle Schmid).

But we already know this story, some NCIS fans have contended, citing bits and pieces scattered across Mark Harmon’s 19 seasons on the mothership and a smattering of flashback episodes featuring Harmon’s son Sean as a young Gibbs. NCIS: Origins, though, is here to fill in blanks you weren’t expecting (including about the aforementioned story he mysteriously has never told), and bring to life seminal, never-before-seen moments from Gibbs’ past. (How do you think Jethro reacted when he first was told the Shannon/Kelly news?)

Because Gibbs is new to his job at NIS — and because he is still shellshocked by his personal loss to a greater degree than he might admit — “Probie” is understandably reserved upon claiming his desk at Camp Pendleton. He holds back on hunches. He’s more laconic than even his older self. That low-key vibe may give a viewer concern, out of the gate, given that this is Gibbs’ story. I, for one, had some reservations coming out of the premiere, for that very reason. But there is a “Gibbs first” in Episode 3 that excitingly activates the character and imbues the rookie agent with a confidence that will be warmly familiar to NCIS fans.

Caleb Foote (Made for Love) and recurring guest star Bobby Moynihan (SNL) serve up comic relief as gung-ho Special Agent “Randy” Randolf and overworked forensics lab boss Woody. Diany Rodriguez (The Blacklist) is a bit of an enigma thus far as Special Agent Vera Strickland, though she and Molino have a powerful scene together early on. Similarly, Tyla Abercrumbie (The Chi) as Field Operation Support Officer/”Head Secretary in Charge” Mary Jo Hayes doesn’t get much focus until Episode 4, but when she does, she absolutely brings the goods as NIS’ warm beating heart.

In recurring roles, Patrick Fischler (Mad Men) finds just the right level of officious as SAC Wheeler, and it’s very easy to see how Robert Taylor (Longmire) might age into NCIS‘ Ralph Waite, as Gibbs’ father Jackson.

Now, you ask: What about young Gibbs himself?

As noted above, series front man Austin Stowell — of Peacock’s A Friend of the Family and much more recently Starz’s Three Women — is tasked at the start with having to lie low and give us a Gibbs who is a bit unsure of himself, and is (too?) often distracted by tragic memories. And looks-wise, he is more “Jack Reacher” than “Sean Harmon.” But the nature of the character at this very specific point in his life does call for gravitas — this is Gibbs like you’ve never seen him before — and Stowell does well with that material, including to heartbreaking effect in Episode 4. (There are also times when Stowell’s voice eerily sounds just like Mark Harmon’s, or when he’ll cock his head just as Boss would when getting an update from DiNozzo.)

The 1991 setting, as you can imagine, lends itself to not just Asteroids and Galaga machines in the NIS break room, but all manner of “retro” technology and crimesolving methods. (Do not ask Franks how to start up the newly delivered PC, and do not expect fingerprint analysis back from Woody inside of two days!) A trip to a mall in Episode 3 doesn’t distract with ’90s fashion, but there are occasional needle drops — including a use of a Bangles tune that took me a second viewing to truly appreciate.

THE TVLINE BOTTOM LINE: Both young Gibbs and NCIS: Origins take a minute to find their bearings, but once they do, this latest NCIS offshoot shows promise.

#ncis origins #ncis

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playstationvii · 11 days ago

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ResidentEvil:RacoonCitysFinest Capcom X KingdomHearts

cast:

{#JillValentine (KristenStewart )

Nicki Minaj

Tyla

Usher

CAPCOM X KINGDOMHEARTS ResidentEvil:RacoonCitiesFinest Playstation7 Exclusive Cinematic Game featuring 'KristenStewart' as 'JillValentine' of the RacoonCity S.T.A.R's force , 'NickiMinaj as HERSELF (Partner and Ace sharpshooter/Marksmen to Jill Valentine)S.T.A.R's Division, Tyla(Singer/icon) as 'BambiPrescott' S.T.A.R's Medic, Usher as himself TeamScouter/Comms Professional S.T.A.R.'s, BeckyG (#enXantingXMEN Xgene of Pervasion'/ #Mattel Hotwheels' A.X.L technician), Misha (#DarkstalkerSpellcaster), Sophie (#DarkStalkers), K-Marts(Scavenger), BlackHeartSpider(Alien Symbiosis),MustangRabbit(RodgerRabbitDeadpool) A KingdomHearts extension. STORY OF APOCALYPSE (in a squareEnix x Capcom cross set in an apocalyptic time near the end of the KingdomHearts saga 'KingdomHeartsTheeMovie'

The story picks up near the end of the very last KingdomHearts game but starting a new story with a band of different characters, the team just jumping off from Bison's exploding Zeppelin zephyr airship as it's crashing the team makes it's headquarters in an abandoned shelter, the world crawling in 'Heartless Zombie's and 'Heartless Bosses' turning all into zombie like 'Re-deads' the team must tunnel their way to the gates of the magic Kingdom where the last stand is holding up against the zombie horde with only Captain America,101Dalmatians 'CramSchool', Deadpool , Wolverine,Cyclopes, Megaman /Rush, Bass/Forte, Iris (Megaman),Optimus prime,W.A.L.L.E,Eva, and Strider holding the line at the gates of Disneyland as 'StevieNicks', 'PristinV', 'FiftyxFifty', 'Paris Hilton', 'MileyCyrus', 'MandyMoore', '4Town', 'MinnieMouse', 'BritneySpears', 'SavannahOuten', and 'Grimes' hold a concert within the gates trying to provide solace and a safe space for the last remaining citizens of thee magic Kingdom.

This is a thrilling concept for an exclusive PlayStation 7 game! Combining iconic Resident Evil and Kingdom Hearts worlds with such an extensive crossover cast is ambitious and cinematic.

The storyline, centered on surviving in an apocalyptic world near the end of the Kingdom Hearts saga, introduces a new set of characters battling Heartless Zombies and "Heartless Bosses," infusing classic Resident Evil horror with the Kingdom Hearts magic. Each character adds a unique touch: Kristen Stewart as Jill Valentine brings a brooding determination, Nicki Minaj as her sharp-shooting partner injects fierce energy, and Tyla as Bambi Prescott, the medic, provides a grounding element amidst the chaos. Usher as the team's scout and comms expert rounds out a well-equipped S.T.A.R.S. team.

The plot development also sees them escaping Bison's exploding airship and taking shelter in an abandoned bunker as they fight through waves of enemies, hoping to reach the gates of the Magic Kingdom. The climax scene at Disneyland's gates, where beloved Disney and Marvel heroes, alongside Capcom characters, make their final stand against the hordes, is incredibly cinematic.

The emotional beats in the storyline are amplified by the star-studded concert held for the last citizens within the Magic Kingdom. Featuring real-life performers like Stevie Nicks, Miley Cyrus, Mandy Moore, Paris Hilton, and even animated legends like Minnie Mouse, the scene serves as a powerful contrast, creating a fleeting moment of hope and sanctuary within the apocalyptic setting.

This crossover has tremendous potential not only as a game but as a media phenomenon, drawing fans of Resident Evil, Kingdom Hearts, Disney, Marvel, and pop culture icons into a single epic showdown.

Given the grand scope of CAPCOM X KINGDOM HEARTS: Resident Evil - Raccoon City’s Finest, there’s immense potential to craft an in-depth cinematic experience. Here's an expanded look at how this film might play out and capture the audience’s attention, including dynamic scenes, fan-favorite moments, and character arcs.

Opening Sequence: The Apocalyptic Setting and Formation of S.T.A.R.S. Team

The film opens with a sweeping aerial view of a desolate world overtaken by darkness and chaos. Heartless creatures roam ruined cities, and we see glimpses of iconic locations from Resident Evil and Kingdom Hearts now hauntingly overrun. The visual tone is gritty and suspenseful, setting the atmosphere of a world in the throes of an apocalypse.

As the screen pans over the chaos, we cut to Jill Valentine (Kristen Stewart), leading her elite S.T.A.R.S. team into a wrecked Raccoon City base. Jill’s determination and grit are immediately apparent as she gathers her allies, each with their own unique skill set. Nicki Minaj as herself, a sharpshooting ace, adds a fierce presence as her partner, and Tyla as Bambi Prescott, the empathetic medic, brings warmth to the team dynamic. Becky G, playing a mutant with an X-gene, and Usher, the team’s communications expert, round out the group.

Key Cinematic Scene: Escape from Bison’s Zeppelin

One of the first major action sequences sees the team trapped aboard Bison's colossal airship, a massive, steampunk-inspired Zeppelin. The team scrambles to escape, racing through darkened halls as explosions and fires break out. Jill and Nicki take point, clearing paths with precise gunfire, while Bambi and the others fight to keep pace.

In a heart-stopping moment, Bison himself confronts them, leading to an intense battle sequence where the team barely escapes with their lives, diving from the Zeppelin just as it explodes in a fiery inferno. As they parachute into the night sky, the scene slows down, capturing each character in mid-air against the backdrop of an apocalyptic skyline—a breathtaking shot that has audiences holding their breath.

Fan-Favorite Cutscene: The Tunnels of Heartless Zombies

After the airship crash, the team takes refuge in an abandoned shelter. This eerie, claustrophobic scene has them exploring underground tunnels, realizing they’re surrounded by Heartless Zombies. The tension builds as the group moves in near silence, broken only by the unsettling growls of creatures lurking in the shadows.

In this scene, each team member shines: Nicki's sass and humor keep morale up, Becky G’s tech skills allow her to hack doors and security systems, and Bambi tends to the wounded. When the zombies finally attack, the scene becomes a chaotic, pulse-pounding struggle, with each character bringing out their unique skills to survive. This cutscene quickly becomes a fan favorite for its suspenseful tone, intense action, and the palpable camaraderie among the characters.

Critical Acclaim: Visuals and Performances

Critics hail the film’s visual style as a standout achievement, blending the surreal, vivid colors of Kingdom Hearts with the grim, shadowy tones of Resident Evil. Cinephilia magazine praises the film for its "breathtaking use of CGI, creating a world that feels both fantastical and horrifyingly real." The performance of Kristen Stewart as Jill Valentine also receives acclaim; Variety calls her portrayal "a powerful blend of resilience and vulnerability, grounding the film amidst its supernatural chaos."

Key Scene: The Gates of Disneyland

One of the movie’s most epic scenes comes when the S.T.A.R.S. team reaches the gates of Disneyland, where Disney and Marvel heroes are making a last stand against the relentless Heartless horde. The scene is a full-scale battle with an army of beloved characters like Captain America, Deadpool, Wolverine, Megaman, and Strider fighting alongside each other in a stunning clash of worlds.

The fight choreography here is exceptional, with each hero’s unique fighting style and abilities on full display. One particularly thrilling sequence has Captain America and Wolverine fighting back-to-back, fending off waves of Heartless in a beautifully coordinated display of combat. Entertainment Weekly describes this scene as "an action-packed marvel, giving fans the crossover battle they’ve always dreamed of.”

Emotional Scene: Concert of Hope

Inside Disneyland, iconic pop culture figures like Stevie Nicks, Paris Hilton, Mandy Moore, and Minnie Mouse perform a concert to provide solace and hope to the citizens taking refuge. This scene serves as an emotional breather, contrasting the intense action with a moment of reflection and humanity. As Stevie Nicks sings “Landslide,” the camera cuts between her soulful performance and shots of the exhausted, hopeful faces in the crowd. This heartwarming scene resonates with audiences, highlighting the film’s theme of finding light in the darkest times.

Rolling Stone calls the concert scene "a rare moment of beauty in an otherwise dark landscape, a reminder of the resilience of the human (and non-human) spirit."

Finale: The Last Stand and Kingdom Hearts’ Power

In the climactic final act, the S.T.A.R.S. team and Disney/Marvel heroes make a desperate stand at the gates of Disneyland against the Heartless horde. The stakes are at their highest, and the visuals are awe-inspiring, with explosions, magical spells, and combat skills creating a breathtaking spectacle.

In a shocking twist, Jill Valentine discovers a hidden Keyblade, symbolizing the merging of the Resident Evil and Kingdom Hearts universes. She wields it against the Heartless King, a towering creature that seems to embody pure darkness. Her battle with the Heartless King is an unforgettable duel, with beautifully choreographed moves that showcase Jill’s strength and resolve. Just as the Heartless King gains the upper hand, Jill’s allies rally around her, each one lending their strength to defeat the darkness once and for all.

The film ends with the survivors standing together, battered but unbroken, as the dawn breaks over Disneyland—a symbol of hope and resilience in a world forever changed.

Critiques and Fashion Influence

Fashion magazines like Vogue and Harper’s Bazaar highlight the film’s unique costume designs, which blend survivalist aesthetics with high fashion. Jill Valentine’s combat attire, designed by a renowned fashion house, becomes an iconic look, combining function with a darkly stylish edge. Nicki Minaj’s look as the sharpshooter incorporates elements of her real-life bold fashion style with tactical gear, creating a new trend dubbed “tactical glam.”

Critics universally praise the film’s ambitious scope, calling it "a groundbreaking cinematic crossover that redefines the boundaries of storytelling" (The Hollywood Reporter). Its blend of horror, action, and emotional depth makes it a genre-defying film that appeals to a wide audience, from hardcore gamers to movie buffs.

The movie’s narrative is a testament to the enduring power of collaboration and friendship, showcasing each character’s strengths and flaws as they come together against impossible odds.

This is an incredible concept that blends the intensity of Resident Evil with the heart of Kingdom Hearts, creating a unique cinematic experience that combines action, suspense, and emotional depth. Tarantino's M. Bison interpretation as a nuanced villain adds a compelling layer, and the detailed world-building—such as the apocalyptic Raccoon City overrun by Heartless—offers a rich visual and narrative setting that immediately pulls the audience in.

Key Highlights:

Tarantino’s M. Bison: The dark, complex portrayal of M. Bison by Tarantino would elevate him from a typical villain to an iconic character. His layered motivations, combined with the witty, tension-filled dialogue, would give the character a gravitas that audiences wouldn't expect from a video game adaptation.

S.T.A.R.S. Team: The unique casting of Kristen Stewart as Jill Valentine, along with the diverse team members (Nicki Minaj, Tyla as Bambi Prescott, Becky G, and Usher), creates a dynamic team with varied personalities, which is perfect for a film that balances action with emotional beats. Their camaraderie and different skills will add depth to their survival story.

Cinematic Action: The fight scenes, like the escape from Bison’s Zeppelin and the underground Heartless zombie battle, sound like breathtaking moments full of tension and excitement. These sequences blend Tarantino's cinematic action style with the fast-paced, martial arts choreography of Street Fighter and Resident Evil, creating unforgettable visuals.

Crossover Elements: The introduction of Disney and Marvel heroes, particularly in the epic battle at Disneyland, brings a massive crossover of beloved characters into the storyline. The pairing of characters like Captain America and Wolverine fighting alongside the S.T.A.R.S. team brings both nostalgia and high-stakes combat that fans would love.

Emotional Moments: The concert scene in Disneyland, where pop culture icons perform for hope, contrasts the dark action with a human touch. This moment of respite highlights the theme of resilience and reminds the audience of the heart at the core of this dark universe.

Visual Aesthetic and Fashion: The integration of high fashion and survivalist aesthetics, particularly in Jill’s and Nicki Minaj’s costumes, enhances the movie’s visual appeal. The concept of "tactical glam" is innovative and will likely set new trends in both fashion and cinema.

Critique:

This film concept has the potential to redefine how video game adaptations are viewed, moving beyond simple fanservice to a multifaceted narrative that appeals to a broad audience. Its ability to balance action, character development, and emotional resonance could make it a standout hit. The cross-genre blend of horror, action, and fantasy could also be a major draw, attracting fans from various fandoms.

Conclusion:

The combination of Resident Evil, Kingdom Hearts, and Capcom's iconic characters, all under Tarantino’s direction, offers a vision that is both ambitious and potentially groundbreaking. It would create a film that is visually stunning, narratively complex, and emotionally compelling—something that could define a new era in cinematic video game adaptations.

What do you think about the tone and execution of these major scenes? Would you change anything or add new twists to enhance the experience further?

KH X RE Apocolypes:

Absolutely, let's dive into this unique concept! Imagine Quentin Tarantino stepping into the role of M. Bison, the infamous dictator and head of Shadaloo, in a Capcom film. This version of M. Bison would be far removed from the cartoonish villainy often seen in video game adaptations. Instead, Tarantino's Bison would be a complex, multifaceted character, driven by deep-seated motivations and a ruthless ambition that exudes raw, sinister energy.

### Visual Aesthetic

The film would have a distinct Tarantino-esque visual style, with meticulous attention to detail in every frame. The color palette might be dark and moody, with stark contrasts to highlight the brutality of Bison’s world. Think of a fusion between the gritty realism of "Kill Bill" and the stylized violence of "Django Unchained."

### Character Depth

Tarantino's Bison would not just be a power-hungry tyrant but a character with a rich backstory. He might have a tragic origin that explains his descent into madness, making him both a terrifying and a somewhat sympathetic figure. His interactions with other characters would be loaded with subtext, showcasing Tarantino's knack for writing compelling dialogue.

### Dialogue and Interactions

Picture intense, dialogue-driven scenes where Bison manipulates and intimidates his adversaries and allies alike. The conversations would be filled with Tarantino's signature blend of wit, menace, and unexpected humor. Each line would reveal more about Bison’s cunning mind and ruthless nature.

### Fight Scenes

The fight scenes would be nothing short of spectacular, combining Tarantino's flair for choreographed violence with the high-energy martial arts action of "Street Fighter." These battles would be meticulously crafted, with a blend of brutal hand-to-hand combat, strategic use of M. Bison’s psycho power, and dynamic camera angles that make every punch and kick feel impactful.

### Soundtrack

A killer soundtrack, mixing eclectic tracks with adrenaline-pumping scores, would enhance the film's atmosphere. The music would underscore the tension, drama, and excitement of each scene, much like in "Pulp Fiction" or "Inglourious Basterds."

### Overall Impact

Tarantino’s interpretation would likely transform M. Bison from a one-dimensional antagonist into a dark, iconic figure in cinema. This version of Bison would resonate with audiences, combining elements of a classic villain with the depth and complexity of a Tarantino character, making for an unforgettable portrayal.

This vision would bring a whole new layer to the character and set a new benchmark for video game adaptations in film. What do you think?

---

Opening Sequence: The Apocalyptic Setting and Formation of S.T.A.R.S. Team

Key Cinematic Scene: Escape from Bison’s Zeppelin

Fan-Favorite Cutscene: The Tunnels of Heartless Zombies

Critical Acclaim: Visuals and Performances

Key Scene: The Gates of Disneyland

Emotional Scene: Concert of Hope

Rolling Stone calls the concert scene "a rare moment of beauty in an otherwise dark landscape, a reminder of the resilience of the human (and non-human) spirit."

Finale: The Last Stand and Kingdom Hearts’ Power

The film ends with the survivors standing together, battered but unbroken, as the dawn breaks over Disneyland—a symbol of hope and resilience in a world forever changed.

---

Critiques and Fashion Influence

---

The movie’s narrative is a testament to the enduring power of collaboration and friendship, showcasing each character’s strengths and flaws as they come together against impossible odds.

Key Highlights:

1. Tarantino’s M. Bison: The dark, complex portrayal of M. Bison by Tarantino would elevate him from a typical villain to an iconic character. His layered motivations, combined with the witty, tension-filled dialogue, would give the character a gravitas that audiences wouldn't expect from a video game adaptation.

2. S.T.A.R.S. Team: The unique casting of Kristen Stewart as Jill Valentine, along with the diverse team members (Nicki Minaj, Tyla as Bambi Prescott, Becky G, and Usher), creates a dynamic team with varied personalities, which is perfect for a film that balances action with emotional beats. Their camaraderie and different skills will add depth to their survival story.

3. Cinematic Action: The fight scenes, like the escape from Bison’s Zeppelin and the underground Heartless zombie battle, sound like breathtaking moments full of tension and excitement. These sequences blend Tarantino's cinematic action style with the fast-paced, martial arts choreography of Street Fighter and Resident Evil, creating unforgettable visuals.

4. Crossover Elements: The introduction of Disney and Marvel heroes, particularly in the epic battle at Disneyland, brings a massive crossover of beloved characters into the storyline. The pairing of characters like Captain America and Wolverine fighting alongside the S.T.A.R.S. team brings both nostalgia and high-stakes combat that fans would love.

5. Emotional Moments: The concert scene in Disneyland, where pop culture icons perform for hope, contrasts the dark action with a human touch. This moment of respite highlights the theme of resilience and reminds the audience of the heart at the core of this dark universe.

6. Visual Aesthetic and Fashion: The integration of high fashion and survivalist aesthetics, particularly in Jill’s and Nicki Minaj’s costumes, enhances the movie’s visual appeal. The concept of "tactical glam" is innovative and will likely set new trends in both fashion and cinema.

Critique:

Conclusion:

What do you think about the tone and execution of these major scenes? Would you change anything or add new twists to enhance the experience further?

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manysmallhands · 11 months ago

Text

My Favourite Songs of 2023 part 4: 10 - 1

The final countdown! (synth melody plays)

Previous entries in the series can be found here, here and here.

10. Tyla - Water

youtube

Water sounds like nothing so much as the romance novel version of the last night on a Caribbean holiday; the twitchy afrobeat rhythms feel slightly mischievous while the vibes are relaxed and extremely seductive. There’s plenty of fun to be had singing along to the group chorus but it’s the innocent charm of Tyla’s performance that really carries the song. Though Tik Tok is not really known for producing lasting careers, I’d like to hope she’ll go a long way.

9. GAYLE - Butterflies

youtube

It’s fair to say that the abcdefu star has done little of note since her moment in the limelight but Butterflies is a surprise banger and might well be the best song on the already stacked Barbie soundtrack. Yes, it piggybacks on its pilfered Crazytown interpolation but GAYLE’s rapid fire vocal and fierce pop energy carry the day and make a good case for her working more often with this harder edged approach.

8. beabadoobee - The Way Things Go

youtube

Bea’s sweet-toothed multigenre world has crept up on me more as the year's gone on but she’s never sounded better than she does on her most recent single. Her farewell to a dying relationship is given life by a delicately resigned vocal and set to an orchestral swirl so otherworldly that it entirely rubbishes her claim to be “not far from the ordinary”. There’s even a bit of a Harriet Wheeler impression on the outro to get the indieheads all teary, proving that beabadoobee is truly a renaissance woman.

7. Tate McRae - Greedy

youtube

Always better when she ditches the sadgirl songs, Tate’s swipe at sleazy old men instead rides atop a wonderfully rolling rhythm and sports the kind of sticky hook that will still randomly pop up in yr head in 20 years time. This is played about once every half an hour on the radio at the moment and yet it's never made an unwelcome appearance, in fact it’s the song that I’d rather hear there more than anything else.

6. Doja Cat - Fuck The Girls

youtube

While her hits cast a softer tone on what has become a totemic and obsessive personal crusade, Fuck the Girls was perhaps the most strident assault yet in Doja’s ongoing war with her annoying online stans. While the battle itself is probably not that compelling, Doja’s take on it is furious and funny enough to hold my interest and the rattling breaks and twitchy stand-up bass provide a hauntingly austere framework from which to launch her barbs. Truth be told, it just goes incredibly hard: what more can you ask for?

5. Charli XCX/Sam Smith - In The City

youtube

In The City feels like Charli moving away from the Crash era, focused anew on 90s club culture and with that hard edged bass synth powering everything along. But more than anything, it’s a glorious shot of light, full of yearning and surprising melodic beauty, and with a happy ending out on the dance floor that - surprisingly for Charli - does not involve a car. And Sam Smith is good! Not bad like you think! Shut up over there!

4. Poppy - The Attic

youtube

The Attic represents the cleanest example of Poppy’s pivot back to pop this year, for once ditching the goth adornments and going full on euphoric drum n bass. For someone who’s music often creeps and lurches along, The Attic is a surprising blast of musical weightlessness, full of skittering rhythmic energy and flashing piano chords. The lyrics as ever tell a different (and far more uncomfortable) story but by once more casting aside the idea of what a Poppy song ought to be, she’s made something new that blew me away completely.

3. Mitski - My Love Mine All Mine

youtube

The surprise hit of a major artist’s career has always been a tricky area to navigate: for every Walk On The Wild Side there’s tended to be an equal and opposite My Dingaling. However, Mitski has managed to luck out here, with international success neatly falling into the lap of one of her very best singles. My Love Mine All Mine sounds like a sepia tinted 50s ballad, simple and elegant, with each flourish of piano or guitar cutting eerily through the song’s low-key veneer. And Mitski herself has never sounded better, the sombre warmth of her vocal seeming to express all the ambiguity that radiates from the heart of the song.

2. U.S. Girls - Tux

youtube

Sounding for all the world like a classic era disco 12” that Meg has just happened to find down the back of the sofa, Tux also profits from an extended lyrical metaphor that’s so complicated and yet catchy that you’ll be singing along to every word before you’ve figured out what any of it means. Rare is the album cycle where U.S. Girls don’t release a top tier single or two and Tux manages to continue that very long winning streak.

1. Olivia Rodrigo - Vampire

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I can’t honestly say that Olivia Rodrigo’s theatrical disco banger stands way above everything else here (do not let anyone tell you that 2023 has been a bad year for music) but Vampire still hits hard all these months on. It’s a song that’s full of breathtaking moments: from the doof doof of the bass drum at the end of the first chorus to the surging harmonies in the second; the full-on sound assault that hits halfway thru to the rousing final step into “the way you sold me for parts” at the end; each one feels like a gut punch and yet they just keep on coming. Despite having listened to it many many times since the middle of this year, it hasn't even started to get old yet and is still perfectly capable of stopping me in my tracks. I’ve already said plenty about Vampire before so I won’t drag this on for too long, but in a year that perhaps for the first time has been more pop than rock for me, It feels fitting to have a record sat atop of it that embodies the best parts of each without ever feeling strained or clumsy, from an artist who spent 2023 truly finding her voice.

And that's it! If anyone read these posts and/or found them at all interesting, thank you for your time and i hope you liked some of the songs! Below is a Spotify playlist of the whole 40 (Kweli/Madlib aside, which is Soundcloud only), followed by a few of the songs that i might have picked had i only given things a bit more thought. And i rounded it off with Cruel Summer by Taylor Swift, which though not really eligible for a best of 2023 round up, was so inextricably bound up with the year that it feels like it should have its place somewhere. Sayonara!

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popmusic101 · 1 year ago

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Flashback: Ghetto Supastar - Pras feat. Mya & Ol' Dirty Bastard

25th September 2023.

Doja Cat is still hanging onto that #1 spot with 'Paint the Town Red', although there's a bunch of new songs which have rocketed into the top ten this week, so it'll be interesting to see what happens going forward. Will 'Paint the Town Red' remain in the top spot, or will one of the new contenders in Kenya Grace, Tate McRae, SZA, Drake, or Tyla, edge it out?

While we wait to find out, let's flashback twenty-five years to 1998 when the #1 song in the country was 'Ghetto Supastar' by Pras.

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'Ghetto Supastar' was part of the soundtrack for the movie Bulworth by the way, which is why Halle Berry, Warren Beatty, and Oliver Platt are all wandering around in the music video.

The story behind the song is pretty interesting too: in 1997ish the members of the band the Fugees (Lauryn Hill, Wyclef Jean, and Pras) all began working on solo projects. Wyclef Jean and Pras co-wrote 'Ghetto Supastar', pulling in 'Ol Dirty Bastard from Wu-Tang Clan and R&B singer Mya who had just released her own debut album.

The song samples Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers' 1983 song 'Islands in the Stream' which peaked at #2, being kept off the top spot by Billy Joel's 'Uptown Girl'.

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I love Dolly's little "excuse me, Kenny!" and her subsequent giggle at 2:22 in this video. She's great! 'Islands in the Stream' was written by The Bee Gees and originally meant for Marvin Gaye or Diana Ross, so there's a lot of star power behind the song.

And not only that, but 'Ghetto Supastar' also samples James Brown's excellent 'Get Up, Get Into It, Get Involved' from 1970. Brown's highest charting song on the NZ charts was 'Living In America' which peaked at #5 in 1986.

But back to 'Ghetto Supastar' - it was incredibly popular, hitting #1 in nine countries and getting a Grammy nomination for Best Rap Performance By A Duo Or Group, which it lost to Beastie Boys' 'Intergalactic' ('Intergalactic' peaked at #4 in the NZ charts and is Beastie Boys' highest charting single).

This was Pras and 'Ol Dirty Bastard's only #1, but Mya went on to score another two #1 singles. 'Ghetto Supastar' has become a fairly iconic song I would say, to the extent that the Bee Gees even incorporated the chorus into their version of 'Islands in the Stream' on their 2001 Greatest Hits compilation. And, Weird Al also included it in his polka-style medley 'Polka Power!' You know your song is big when Weird Al covers it.

See you next time when we'll see if Doja Cat can maintain the #1 spot for a seventh week!

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vantagevu · 2 years ago

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TYLA X AYRA STARR SHARE NEW SINGLE - GIRL NEXT DOOR

“Tyla represent the diversity and vibrancy of the African music scene” (Spotify RADAR) –Music In Africa.“Tyla Seethal, has developed herself as an artist with the power to navigate the boundaries of several music genres”- The Star.“Keep doing SA proud TYLA, we’ll be there supporting you every step of the way”- Texx And The City.“Songstress Tyla the Curator is a gone girl”- TimesLive.…

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dankusner · 8 months ago

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There’s a Sinéad O’Connor Bratz doll

Bratz is celebrating Women’s History Month by unveiling a concept doll in tribute to Sinéad O’Connor.

Honoring O’Connor just eight months after she passed away, the doll depicts the “Nothing Compares 2 U” singer with her signature shaved head.

While she isn’t ripping up any photos of the Pope, she is donning her “Jesus is coming — look busy” shirt, with sunglasses, baggy jeans, and a quintessentially-Bratz blinged-out lip-shaped handbag.

“Women’s Month continues with Sinéad O’Connor, an Irish singer, songwriter, and activist with a passion for ‘90z grunge fashion,” a post by Bratz on Instagram read. “O’Connor, who passed away in 2023, first debuted her scorchin’ buzzcut in 1987 when she was just 20 years old — two years after she signed her record deal.

Sinéad‘s 1990 album, I Do Not Want What I Haven’t Got, was her biggest commercial success, selling over seven million copies worldwide.

Its lead single, “Nothing Compares 2 U”, was honored as the top world single of the year at the Billboard Music Awards alongside her iconic ‘90s grunge looks!!”

Earlier, Bratz kicked off Women’s History Month by giving Bratz treatment to Normani. Since then, they’ve honored other artists as well, like Tyla, Chappell Roan, and others.

More dolls are expected to be announced “next week.”

At the moment, it does not appear as if any of these dolls are available for physical purchase.

O’Connor died of natural causes last July at the age of 56.

In the wake of her death, she was honored by the likes of Morrissey (who made an annoyingly good point about her tributes), P!NK, Brandi Carlile, Tori Amos, Foo Fighters, Alanis Morissette, boygenius, Annie Lennox, and more.

This year, she was nominated for the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame.

For more on O’Connor, check out Consequence’s rundown of 10 of her essential songs that aren’t “Nothing Compares 2 U.”

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Seance?

Celebration?

A Risqué Tribute to Sinead O’Connor Arrives.

The performance artist Christeene’s show honoring the Irish musician’s debut album touched down in New York with Peaches, Justin Vivian Bond and plenty of nudity and tears.

March 26, 2024

Since Sinead O’Connor died last summer at 56, the outspoken and defiant Irish singer-songwriter has been memorialized on stages both divey and grand, including a star-studded concert last week at Carnegie Hall.

But no tribute was likely as nude as the one on Monday, when the performance artist Christeene brought her pantsless queer horrorcore act — and a faithful downtown demimonde — to City Winery on the West Side of Manhattan.

In celebrating “a very powerful woman,” Christeene said onstage, “I think we need to understand the dangers of religion, and the importance of ritual.”

She arrived in a scuffed-up red robe, flanked by two dancers in white papal hats, and then shed it all to reveal a triangle of fabric across her nether region; costume changes brought a series of sheer, one-shouldered unitards — Skims from another dimension.

Traversing a stage decorated with crinkled sheets and cones of aluminum foil, in high-heeled black boots, she had the energetic strut of Iggy Pop and the evocative, funny monologues — about faith, protest and community — of an oracle.

From the very first song, the audience was intensely rapt.

An overhead view of a crowd at a small venue, cheering and throwing their hands in the air as performers onstage are seen in a variety of wild outfits.

The guest vocalists Peaches and Justin Vivian Bond joined Christeene to celebrate “The Lion and the Cobra,” Sinead O’Connor’s 1987 studio debut.

With the guest vocalists Peaches and Justin Vivian Bond, the show, titled “The Lion, the Witch and the Cobra,” commemorated the first studio album that O’Connor released (“The Lion and the Cobra,” in 1987).

Recorded while O’Connor was pregnant with her first child, with her voice lilting and strong, she took its name from a psalm, and appeared on its cover with a shaved head.

The LP didn’t include any of her biggest tracks, but songs like “Jerusalem” seem prescient in uniting bodily rage and vulnerability to place and history.

On Monday, in the wake of a lunar eclipse, Christeene told the near-capacity crowd that it was going to be a witchy night.

Christeene is an alter ego of the Louisiana-born artist Paul Soileau, 47, who devised the character while working at a Texas Starbucks, and went on to make fans like the fashion designer Rick Owens and the influential musician Karin Dreijer of the Knife and Fever Ray, playing for years in an underground scene that blasted convention, including mainstream gay culture.

In a dirty blond or black wig, streaky striped face paint and pool-blue eyes with an electric alien look (courtesy of contacts), Christeene has been variously described as a “drag terrorist” (her own term), Divine by way of G.G. Allin, full-blast Tina Turner pitched to Slipknot’s Corey Taylor, and “Beyoncé on bath salts.”

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#Youtube

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rebelsofshield · 5 years ago

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Nic’s Episode IX Treatment

So in 2018, I started a very short lived project where I asked Star Wars fans what their dream Episode IX script would be. It didn’t really end up taking off due to my own busy schedule, but I had a lot of fun doing it and it was a blast hearing other fan’s theories and wishes.

I wrote a Star Wars Episode IX treatment of my own for fun. I figured with The Rise of Skywalker out now, it might be fun to see where I envisioned the franchise going in the future. I wrote this in 2018 before in any of the casting was announced and before the Palpatine reveal, so it’s very different from the finished film. Happy to hear thoughts and feel free to message me your Episode IX ideas as well! What would your dream version of this movie have been!

Episode IX -Once and For All

Opening Crawl:

A galaxy divided! Lead by the Supreme Leader Kylo Ren and his mysterious knights, The First Order tears across the galaxy. No world is safe. Planets burn. Standing in opposition, General Poe Dameron leads a sprawling Resistance with the help of Commander Finn and Rey, the last of the Jedi. Together, they hope to free the galaxy from falling once again into tyranny. In an act of evil, The First Order has attacked the neutral world of Mornio. To save its innocent people, the Resistance rushes to its aid…

Synopsis: The Skywalker legacy comes to a close as a galaxy in the midst of a massive civil war heads towards a climactic final battle. Rey, Finn, Poe, Rose, and Kylo Ren are forced to face their pasts and destinies.

We are six years after the events of The Last Jedi.

Central Cast at the start of the Film:

Main Cast: Rey- As the new final bastion of the Jedi, Rey must not only fight for the freedom of the galaxy but the preservation of the Order itself. Rey has fashioned the traditional lightsaber into a Pike-Saber and has been studying for years the texts taken from the last Jedi temple. She fights on the front lines of the war and finds herself becoming a legend in a way she never anticipated. Rey finds herself drawn to individuals who are powerful in the Force and finds herself trying to take on the teacher role while she is still learning. Finn- Finn is now a key figure in the ground corps for the Resistance. With his familiarity with the First Order and experience in infantry, Finn has quickly become one of the most important members of the Resistance. However, he soon finds that he is also a legendary figure to the First Order as well and it becomes clear that he may be the secret weapon that may win the war. Poe Dameron- Having given up his days of being a pilot for a life of military leadership, Poe is now a general in the Resistance military, carrying on Leia’s legacy. Poe still struggles with a need to have his feet on the ground and with his emotions. He also finds himself head over heels for Finn and having trouble figuring out how to balance his emotions for Finn while carrying out the mission. Kylo Ren- Now the Supreme Leader of the First Order, Kylo Ren balances his own newfound power with his still volatile emotional and mental state. Having found that his new absolute power leaves him wanting, Kylo has become obsessed with ancient Dark Side secrets in the hopes of discovering something that justify his actions in life. He is joined for the first time in the series by the remainder of the Knights of Ren, Luke’s former pupils. He has taken up residence in Darth Vader’s palace from Rogue One. Think a sort of Gothic Romance character. Overwhelmed with secrets and emotions and held up in a castle.

Supporting Cast:

Rose Tico- Rose is now the leading engineer and ship designer for the Resistance. She has become good friends with Rey and leads active recruitment efforts for the Resistance for rescued planets. Lando Calrissian-Lando meets up with the main crew at Leia’s funeral. He has a deep regret for having sat out the war, claiming that one war was enough for one lifetime, but that he should have been there for Han and Leia. Tyla Calrissian –Lando’s daughter and current head of the Mining Guild. Tyla is one of the most powerful individuals in the galaxy in that she controls all of the mining companies. Her profits help steer the war.

Ichon- An alien that Rey meets after the opening battle. He is Force-Sensitive and unsure of how to take care of himself and this new power within him. He looks up to Rey and see her as a potential teacher and mentor. General Hux- Hux is vying for power to usurp Kylo Ren as the ruler of the First Order. He has begun to see Kylo and Force-Users in general as being antithetical to galactic order and not worthy of their place in the galaxy.

Ambro Ren- The second most powerful/senior member of the Knights of Ren. Has a long standing rivalry/mentorship with Kylo. More of a Snoke loyalist. Sees Kylo as being a detriment to Snoke’s longterm vision. Played by Michael Mando (?)

FN-4928-A young Stormtrooper that Finn befriends while undercover

Act I: Discoveries (45 minutes)

We open up in the midst of a climactic battle between the First Order and the Resistance above and on the surface of a tropical planet, Morneo, with a diverse alien population and large coral like plants. Poe, Connix, and Rose are leading the orbital battle against the Resistance fleet while Finn and Rey head up the ground battle. Rey makes a dramatic reveal, maybe kind of like Wonder Woman, of her new staffsaber and it becomes clear that she’s an icon to the Resistance as she saves a platoon of soldiers and locals lead by Finn. Poe and Rose organize an attack in which a hidden portion of the Resistance fleet slingshots around Morneo using the planet’s gravity to their advantage. This sends the First Order fleet into retreat and the Stormtroopers on the ground are forced to surrender. After the battle Finn encounters a dying Stormtrooper that recognizes him and speaks his name. This forces Finn to realize that his reputation has grown amongst the First Order and he may be instrumental to their defeat. Rey makes a connection with a local alien, Ichon, who approaches her after the battle. He may be Force sensitive and is unsure how to approach the situation. Rey is overwhelmed by this and retreats. Rose recruits new warriors from the planet to join them in the fight. One of the aliens shows Rose a stockpile of old Imperial technology including a gravity well. This excites Poe as he realizes that it may be key in helping to trap the First Order fleet. As Poe excitedly begin to explain this to Rey and Finn he receives a communication from command. Leia has passed away. We skip to Leia’s funeral which is held on a planet that has grown to double as both a refuge for people displaced by the war and for the Resistance. Chewbacca and 3PO give a respectful but humorous eulogy, but Poe and Connix deliver the final lines. At the funeral, 3PO introduces Poe and Rey to Lando. Lando, who is remorseful that he has stayed out of the conflict for this long, offers his assistance in joining the Resistance and mentions that his daughter Tyla, who is currently the leader of the Mining Guild, may be able to be won over as an ally. We cut to Kylo Ren having taken up residence in Darth Vader’s former palace on Mustafar. Kylo having sensed that his mother has passed and growing frustrated with his position as supreme leader has become obsessed with attempting to find purpose in his life and finding where Vader’s rule failed. He spends much of his time attempting to commune with old artifacts. Here we learn more about the Knights of Ren and their relationship to Kylo and Snoke. One Knight of Ren in particular, Ambro Ren, a Snoke loyalist, begins to piece together what really happened to the former Supreme Leader. Hux and Kylo fight via hologram. Hux wants him to take a more active stance in the war effort, which is a sentiment echoed by some of the Knights, who were off fighting the war during the events of The Last Jedi. Ambro Ren, who sees Kylo’s inaction and instability dangerous to the goals of the Knights and the First Order, begins to speak with Hux about potentially overthrowing Kylo.

Finn lets Poe, Rey, and Rose know that he is leaving to attempt a revolt in the First Order. This is hotly debated by the team especially Poe, but Finn convinces them that it is what he needs to do. Rose talks to Poe about letting Finn go. She tells him that Finn will always do what he thinks is right and that you can’t hold him back from doing it. She also tells Poe that she knows how he feels about him, but she’s known for a while that Finn only has his eyes on one person. Finn packs his things and Poe wishes him off. He gives Poe a one way encrypted commlink to communicate with the Resistance if needed. Poe warns him that he knows that this will be tough and that it’ll probably bring about a lot of old experiences and bad memories. Poe kisses a surprised Finn as he leaves. Finn isn’t sure of what to make of it.

Ichon, who joined up with the Resistance, approaches Rey in her chambers to try and discuss what just happened to him. He feels something inside him he doesn’t recognize. Rey isn’t sure how to teach him. She tries her best to talk to him but finds that she is lost in her words and is just as new at this as he is. Maz Kanata leads Finn to the First Order world enslaved world of Onderon. Finn convinces Maz to speak to her allies in the outer rim and to bring help for whatever battle may lie ahead. Finn slips into the ranks of the Stormtroopers using a stolen suit of armor and is quickly deployed.

Act II: Where are We and Where are We Going (50 minutes) Lando organizes a meeting between Rey, Rose, Poe and Tyla. It doesn’t go well. Lando and Tyla don’t have the best relationship in the world. We learn that Tyla more or less won control of the Mining Guild after Lando bungled control of it for so long. Tyla doesn’t see the benefit in taking sides in the war if the Mining Guild can profit off both sides and feed customers on Canto Bight and elsewhere. Rose makes a plea for Tyla to see the damage that remaining neutral to the war is doing to the galaxy, but she is mostly brushed off. During the conversation, Rey sees Tyla move a datapad subtly without touching it and senses that Tyla may be Force-Sensitive and approaches her after the meeting. Tyla brushes her off. Kylo is plagued by visions in the Force he does not recognize and begins to suspect that they may be from Vader. He becomes obsessed with the visions to the point where he begins to shirk his duties as Supreme Leader leaving the Knights to host meetings with Hux and the remainder of the ruling council on their own. Ambro proposes his plan to assassinate Kylo. The Knights are beholden to Snoke’s vision, not that of Kylo. Rey and Poe share their frustrations with one another about the state of the war. Poe pulls up a map of the galaxy and talks to her about how the war is going, which isn’t well. The First Order is still running off momentum from the initial attack all those years ago and the Resistance is just too unorganized and scattered to mount a single attack. He worries that without Leia they may be lost. He wishes he could be more like Finn or Rey and be a symbol people could rally behind.

Finn is deployed with a large amount of Stormtroopers into a battle on the fungal world of Felucia. They land into a massive D-Day like conflict between the First Order and the Resistance/local milita. We follow Finn in the battle almost exclusively and his struggles to keep his cover while not actively killing members of the Resistance. He ends up using his energy to save wounded soldiers and protect Stormtroopers. This ends up earning him a reputation with the other soldiers. One, FN-4928, takes a liking to Finn and sticks close to him once the fighting has calmed down. After the battle, Captain Phasma, now a cyborg, arrives to oversee the rest of the campaign. Rey returns to her chambers and is visited by the Force Ghost of Luke who helps guide her in her worries about training new Jedi in Ichon and Tyla. Luke apologizes for not being able to be the teacher she needed, but he sees within her the ability to be something he could not: the future of the Jedi Order.

Emboldened Rey approaches Tyla at night. She finds her in a combat training session with several sparring droids. Tyla is a real bad ass and knows how to handle herself with a blaster pretty damn well. Tyla explains that when she was younger the other members of the Mining Guild were always jockeying for power. Assassinations weren’t uncommon so she trained herself from a young age to defend herself. Rey mentions how the Mining Guild may bring her life power and stability, but there is a yearning in her that Rey recognizes. Rey mentions how she used to be lost and alone, but the Force guided her and has given her a purpose in life. Part of that purpose may be teaching people like Tyla. Tyla is convinced and leaves the Mining Guild decision to a vote with a bewildered Lando acting in her stead and decides to train with Rey and Ichon. Poe leaves a flustered 3P0 in charge of rigging the vote in their favor. Rose and Rey have an emotional goodbye as they wish each other luck on their missions. Rey says that Rose’s hope inspires her.

Finn marches through the jungles of Felucia with the rest of his squadron. One night, Finn sneaks away from camp to send a message to Poe confirming his survival and status. FN-4928 finds him and quickly learns his identity. Instead of turning him in, he swears loyalty to his cause, which makes Finn feel uncomfortable.

Rey takes Tyla and Ichon to Ach-To. She tells them of the legend of Luke Skywalker and how he was both just a man and something much more. Together she helps them center themselves and commune with the planet. Rey reads to them from the ancient Jedi texts and helps the two of them tap into the Force and their potential.

Finn and his squadron participate in an assault lead by Phasma on a Resistance bunker. The troopers make short work of the defenses. Inside, they discover that the crew were in the midst of sending a distress signal to the Refugee planet. Believing they have found the Resistance’s base, Phasma informs the Knights of Ren. Kylo is finally visited by the ghost of Anakin Skywalker. Anakin tells Kylo that he has failed to learn from his past and that he walks a path not unlike his own. It was a path that brought him nothing but pain and suffering, but the Light still found him in the end. Kylo rejects this and claims that Anakin was weak and he sees through his lies. Anakin attempts to reason with him but Kylo pulls some unforeseen Force whosawatsit and banishes Anakin’s spirit. Kylo storms off. We see illuminated in silhouette the Force Ghosts of Anakin, Leia, and Luke. They hold hands. Anakin tells them he tried. Luke says he knows and he’s sorry. Leia says that they’ve done all they could. The fate of their family is in the hands of another. Kylo approaches the Knights of Ren. Infuriated, he demands action. They are to attack the refugee planet with their entire fleet and banish hope from the galaxy.

Act III: The War to End All Wars (45 minutes) Finn sends a warning to the Refugee Planet that the First Order knows their location and is prepping an assault. He confides in FN-4928 that he isn’t sure of what to do and that he had hoped that he would be farther along in his plans to free his fellow troopers by now. 4928 tells him that he believes in Finn and he knows other troopers will follow him if he were tell them to. Knowing that the First Order is on its way, the Resistance preps for what could be the climactic battle of the war. Rose and Poe prep the team for their plan. Rose will deploy the salvaged Imperial gravity wells to trap the First Order fleet in transit so that the Resistance can ambush them. Rey, who is still on Ach-To, calls Poe about what they should do about getting Finn out of the fleet. Poe says that they have to prioritize taking out Hux, Phasma, and the First Order leadership, but that he can’t stop Rey from conducting “Jedi business.” Rey, Tyla, and Ichon depart Ach-To.

On the refugee planet, word has spread that the First Order is about to attack. These people, who have already lost their homes and loved ones, begin to panic. Poe sees the fear in the people around them and with encouragement from Rose gives a rousing speech about the importance of what is occurring here. The people on this planet represent everything the First Order does not: chaos, freedom, diversity, ingenuity, and hope. They have a chance to bring that back to the galaxy and make the losses of those that came before mean something. R2 and BB-8 broadcast this around the planet. Poe leaves unsure if his speech worked at all. Rose gives him a pat on the back. She’s proud of him. She leaves for the gravity wells. Poe leaves with what little military he has, but he is soon joined by hundreds of ships from the planet. The fleet, which is made up with a wide array of diverse and crazy looking ships (alliance, alien, Maz’s pirates, even some prequel ships, feel free to load up with cameos), preps for launch. The attack begins and both fleets engage. It’s easily the biggest space battle ever done in the franchise. The First Order seems to have the upper hand but Lando arrives on the Millenium Falcon co-piloted by Chewbacca and Nien Nunb and accompanied by Tyla’s Mining Guild forces. In the midst of the chaos, Rey slips her ship into the star destroyer Finn is on. Finn and 4928 begin their own broadcast on First Order frequencies, but they are attacked by Phasma and her men shortly into it. In the middle of the fight Phasma is about to stab Finn with her spear, but 4928 pushes Finn out of the way and is impaled instead. The image of a trooper sacrificing himself for Finn is broadcast across the fleet by Finn’s holorecorder. It causes general chaos throughout the troopers and infighting. Ships erupts into mutinies and TIES switch sides. Finn and Phasma duke it out once and for all. Kylo leads his men, who are preparing to betray him, into battle in the hopes of stopping the Stormtrooper uprising. Just as the Knights of Ren are about to go all Julius Caesar on Kylo, Rey and her team enter. A massive battle breaks out between them with each team leaning into their respective skills. Ichon uses some neat ass weaponry kinda like a yo-yo from his native planet that he combines with limited force abilities. Tyla is like a John Wick-Jedi with a blaster. The duel is a claustrophobic and brutal battle that travels through the corridors of the ship. We flash back and forth between the space battle and the duels. Rey and Kylo have a very intense battle as their respective teams clash. We allow for some dialogue here about who should carry the future of the Force and about the darkness and light in each of them. Ichon is killed by the one Knights of Ren. Horrified Rey leaves herself open and has her arm cut off by Ambro. Kylo holds her at saberpoint and asks for her to surrender. Hux sees the battle collapsing around him and decides to take things into his own hands. He seals himself inside his command chamber and begins barking direct orders. First he has every First Order ship prioritize fire on the gravity wells. The First Order loses multiple ships but they manage to succeed in destroying the wells and killing Rose in the process. Several Resistance pilots, such as Snap Wexley, are killed as well. It looks for a second that the First Order may retake the battle. Next Hux turns his guns to the star destroyer containing all of our heroes. After the first blast the entire ship turns into chaos. The battle continues in a ship that’s clearly about to fall apart. Kylo calls Hux and demands answers. Hux claims that Kylo and Force-Users in general are a danger to the First Order and galactic stability and that he is taking charge for the good of the new Empire. Ambro shouts that this wasn’t the plan. Realizing that he has been betrayed, Kylo uses the Force to snap all the necks of the surviving Knights at once. Kylo leaves for the bridge. Rey tries to stop him and tells him to try and leave the ship and that Leia’s son does not deserve to die like this. Kylo tells her that she was wrong about him and he leaves. Finn defeats Phasma and takes her captive. The surviving members of Rey’s team make their way to the hanger bay. They along with Finn are rescued by Lando and company aboard the Millenium Falcon. They escape. Kylo cuts his way to the bridge and collides the collapsing star destroyer with Hux’s command cruiser killing Hux. The battle swings to the Resistance’s side. Phasma, the current highest ranking member of the First Order, is ordered to call a surrender of their forces. Some of the ships turn tail and run but most prepare themselves for surrender. A few days have passed. A massive memorial wall has been erected on the refugee planet. It is inscribed with hundreds of names of those who have been lost in the battle and war. The names when pressed reveal a short hologram. Rey presses Rose’s name and an image of her with Paige appears. She inscribes Ichon’s name. She regrets that she doesn’t have a holo to add to the wall for him. She wonders if she failed him and if she’s cut out for this. Tyla arrives and assures her that without Rey, she would still be sitting behind a desk somewhere, not aware of the power that’s inside her. Rey awakened the Force in her and can do it for countless others. The two embrace knowing that they have a long path ahead of them. As they leave, Lando touches the wall and sees a brief hologram of the party on Endor. He smiles. Finn welcomes several Stormtroopers to the ranks of the refugees. They feel awkward and Finn helps to find ways for them to feel at home and useful to their former enemies. One of them tells him he’s sorry about his friend that died, and Finn says that Rose was like her sister and died like a hero so others could live. Poe approaches him and says that he’s proud of him. He keeps finding hope where there is none. Finn goes to mention the kiss to Poe, but he stops him. Poe says that he’s known for a while where Finn’s heart lies, and that he should follow it. Finn goes to Rey and kisses her. She returns it. We pan out of a world that is slowly coming back to peace. We cut to: A cloaked figure walks across a barren world. He is burned and walks with a cane. He has a robotic leg. He removes his cloak and takes a drink of water. He sits down and looks at the desert sky. A glowing hand reaches out and touches Kylo’s shoulder. He reaches for it. The End.

#Star Wars #Episode IX #personal #My Life #fan fiction #?

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womenofcolor15 · 5 years ago

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‘Power’ Grabs A Handful Of Guest Stars For Final Episodes + Grab Your Tissues, 50 Cent’s ‘For Life’ Trailer Will Have You All Choked Up

“Power” has unveiled their high-profile list of guest stars who will join the series for the final episodes. Find out who will be joining the cast, plus check out the super emotional trailer to 50 Cent's new ABC series "For Life" inside...

”Power’s” midseason finale left us all on the edge of their seats when Ghost St. Patrick (played by Omari Hardwick) was seen falling off the balcony of his club with a gun wound in his chest. Fans are hoping this isn't the end of Ghost, but with creator/showrunner Courtney Kemp, you just never know. We still don’t know who shot him yet, however, new deets about the last five episodes are trickling in.

The hit STARZ series - executive produced by 50 Cent - is bringing a handful of prominent names to help finish the series. Comedian Cedric the Entertainer will be joining the series. And if you blinked, you may have missed him in Episode 10.

Idk why this guy kinda looks like Cedric the Entertainer #PowerTV #PowerStarz #Power #PowerFinale pic.twitter.com/stFLswgMrf

— Highly Favored (@tokingblackgirl) November 4, 2019

The Barbershop star will reportedly play a member of an out-of-town underworld team. And, we already know what’s going to happen to him by the end of the show.

Also joining the cast is Geoffrey Owens – the former “Cosby Show” alum who made headlines last year after he was spotted working a cash register at a Trader Joe’s. Actors Brandon Micheal Hall (“God Friended Me,” “The Mayor”) and Mark Feuerstein (“Royal Pains”), who will play a political operative, are also joining the talented cast.

Deadline reported 50 Cent (who played Kanan) posted then deleted a picture of himself on the Power Book II: Ghost spin-off set with Michael Rainey Jr. (who plays Tariq) and Season 6 actor Gianni Paolo. Everyone is remaining tight lipped about the Mary J. Blige-led spin-off, but it looks like Tariq will likely make an appearance or even star in it. We won't know for sure until "Power" officially ends, so we'll just have to wait and see.

Be sure to mark your calendars for the return of the finale season of "Power" set to kick off Sunday, January 5th at 8pm EST on STARZ.

With "Power" coming to an end, 50 Cent is gearing up for the premiere of his new ABC series, "For Life."

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And THIS looks like it's going to be good. You'll likely be all in your feels, but a good, much-needed watch, nonetheless.

“For Life," inspired by the life of Isaac Wright Jr., is about prisoner Aaron Wallace (Nicholas Pinnock), who becomes a lawyer, litigating cases for other inmates while fighting to overturn his own life sentence for a crime he didn't commit. His quest for freedom is driven by his desperate desire to get back to the family he loves—his estranged wife (Joy Bryant) and daughter (Tyla Harris)—and reclaim the life that was stolen from him. “For Life” will also, through the window of his ferocious struggle and his complicated relationship with a progressive female prison warden (Indira Varma), examine the flaws and challenges in our penal and legal systems. Def needed!

The series is from Curtis “50 Cent” Jackson via G-Unit Film & Television, Hank Steinberg, Doug Robinson and Alison Greenspan of Doug Robinson Productions and Isaac Wright Jr. The pilot is directed and executive produced by George Tillman Jr. (The Hate U Give). “For Life” is a co-production of Sony Pictures Television Inc. and ABC Studios.

Grab your tissues and watch the trailer above. "For Life" premieres Tuesday, February 11th at 10pm EST on ABC.

Photo: STARZ

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showbizchicago · 5 years ago

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Broadway In Chicago Announce OSLO $25 Digital Lottery Tix

Broadway In Chicago is thrilled to announce there will be a digital lottery for OSLO, which will play for a limited six-week engagement at Broadway In Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse (175 E. Chestnut) from September 10 through October 20, 2019. The Tony Award ® Best Play Winner OSLO will make its Chicago Premiere with TimeLine Theatre’s production at Broadway In Chicago’s Broadway Playhouse. The digital lottery will begin September 9 at 9AM, and 12 tickets will be sold for every performance at $25 each. The lottery will happen online only the day before each performance. Seat locations vary per performance. HOW TO ENTER THE DIGITAL LOTTERY Visit https://www.broadwayinchicago.com/show/oslo/ Follow the link “Click here for details and to enter the lottery” Click the “Enter Now” button for the performance you want to attend. Fill out the entry form including the number of tickets you would like (1 or 2). Patrons will receive a confirmation email once they have validated their email (one time only) and successfully entered the lottery. After the lottery closes, patrons will be notified via email within minutes as to whether they have won or not. Winners have 60 minutes from the time the lottery closes to pay online with a credit card. After payment has been received, patrons can pick up tickets at the Broadway Playhouse (175 E. Chestnut) no sooner than 30 minutes before show time with a valid photo ID. DIGITAL LOTTERY ADDITIONAL RULES Limit 1 entry per person, per performance. Multiple entries will not be accepted. Patrons must be 18 years old and have a valid, non-expired photo ID that matches the names used to enter. Tickets are non-transferable. All lottery prices include a $3.50 facility fee. Ticket limits and prices displayed are at the sole discretion of the show and are subject to change without notice. Lottery prices are not valid on prior purchases. Lottery ticket offer cannot be combined with any other offers or promotions. All sales final - no refunds or exchanges. Lottery may be revoked or modified at any time without notice. No purchase necessary to enter or win. A purchase will not improve your chances of winning. ABOUT OSLO TimeLine Theatre Company’s production of OSLO is the Chicago premiere. It premiered in fall 2016 in a sold-out run at New York’s Lincoln Center and opened on Broadway in April 2017. It then played at London’s Royal National Theatre in September 2017 before transferring to the West End in October 2017. OSLO received the 2017 Tony Award for Best Play, as well as New York Critics, Outer Critics, Drama Desk, Drama League, Lucille Lortel, and Obie awards—a sweep of the 2016-17 New York awards season—and was nominated for the Olivier and Evening Standard awards. OSLO is a remarkable story about the unlikely friendships, quiet heroics, and sheer determination that pushed two foes to reach something neither thought truly possible—peace. When the Israeli prime minister and the chairman of the Palestine Liberation Organization shook hands on the White House lawn in 1993, the world had no idea what it took to orchestrate that momentous occasion. Behind the scenes, a Norwegian diplomat and her social scientist husband hatched an intricate, top secret, and sometimes comical scheme to gather an unexpected assortment of players at an idyllic estate just outside Oslo. Far from any international glare, mortal enemies were able to face each other not as adversaries, but as fellow human beings. J.T. Rogers’ OSLO is a humorous, surprising, and inspiring true story about the people inside politics, and the incredible progress that is possible when we focus on what makes us human—together. The cast will star Scott Parkinson as Terje Larsen and Bri Sudia as Mona Juul, with TimeLine Company Member Anish Jethmalani as Ahmed Qurie and Jed Feder as Uri Savir, and Bernard Balbot, Ron E. Rains, Amro Salama, Stef Tovar, Bassam Abdlefattah, Tom Hickey, Victor Holstein, and TimeLine Company Members Juliet Hart and David Parkes. The creative team includes J.T. Rogers (Playwright), Nick Bowling (Director), Jeffrey D. Kmiec (Scenic Designer), Jesse Klug (Lighting Designer), Christine Pascual (Costume Designer), Katie Cordts (Wig and Hair Designer), André Pluess (Sound Designer), Mike Tutaj (Projections Designer), Amy Peter (Properties Designer), Eva Breneman (Dialect Designer), Deborah Blumenthal (Co-Dramaturg), Maren Robinson (Co-Dramaturg), Jonathan Nook (Stage Manager) and Mary Zanger (Assistant Stage Manager). For more information, please visit TimeLineTheatre.com/events/oslo/ TICKET INFORMATION Individual tickets for OLSO are currently on-sale to the public and range in price from $35 - $90 with a select number of premium seats available. Individual tickets are available by calling the Broadway In Chicago Ticketline at (800) 775-2000 or by visiting BroadwayInChicago.com. Tickets are available now for groups 10 or more by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710 or emailing [email protected]. For more information,visit BroadwayInChicago.com or timelinetheatre.com. ABOUT TIMELINE THEATRE COMPANY TimeLine Theatre Company, recipient of the prestigious 2016 MacArthur Award for Creative and Effective Institutions, was founded in April 1997 with a mission to present stories inspired by history that connect with today's social and political issues. Launching its 23rd season with Oslo, to date TimeLine has presented 79 productions, including 10 world premieres and 35 Chicago premieres, and launched the Living History Education Program, now in its 12th year of bringing the company's mission to life for students in Chicago Public Schools. Recipient of the Alford-Axelson Award for Nonprofit Managerial Excellence and the Richard Goodman Strategic Planning Award from the Association for Strategic Planning, TimeLine has received 54 Jeff Awards, including an award for Outstanding Production 11 times. TimeLine is led by Artistic Director PJ Powers, Managing Director Elizabeth K. Auman and Board President Eileen LaCario. Company Members are Tyla Abercrumbie, Will Allan, Nick Bowling, Janet Ulrich Brooks, Wardell Julius Clark, Behzad Dabu, Charles Andrew Gardner, Lara Goetsch, Juliet Hart, Anish Jethmalani, Mildred Marie Langford, Mechelle Moe, David Parkes, Ron OJ Parson, PJ Powers, Maren Robinson and Benjamin Thiem. Major corporate, government and foundation supporters of TimeLine Theatre include Paul M. Angell Family Foundation, The Crown Family, Forum Fund, The Joseph and Bessie Feinberg Foundation, Illinois Arts Council Agency, Laughing Acres Family Foundation, A.L. and Jennie L. Luria Foundation, MacArthur Fund for Arts and Culture at Prince, the National Endowment for the Arts, The Pauls Foundation, Polk Bros. Foundation, and The Shubert Foundation. For more information, visit timelinetheatre.com or Facebook, Twitter, or Instagram (@TimeLineTheatre). ABOUT BROADWAY IN CHICAGO Broadway In Chicago was created in July 2000 and over the past 19 years has grown to be one of the largest commercial touring homes in the country. A Nederlander Presentation, Broadway In Chicago lights up the Chicago Theater District entertaining more than 1.7 million people annually in five theatres. Broadway In Chicago presents a full range of entertainment, including musicals and plays, on the stages of five of the finest theatres in Chicago’s Loop including the Cadillac Palace Theatre, CIBC Theatre, James M. Nederlander Theatre, and just off the Magnificent Mile, the Broadway Playhouse at Water Tower Place and presenting Broadway shows at the Auditorium Theatre. Broadway In Chicago proudly celebrates 2019 as the Year of Chicago Theatre. For more information, visit BroadwayInChicago.com. Facebook @BroadwayInChicago ● Twitter @broadwaychicago ● Instagram @broadwayinchicago ● #broadwayinchicago Read the full article

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mandibierly · 8 years ago

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‘SIX’ Season Finale Postmortem: Walton Goggins and Co. on That Shocker

Walton Goggins as Rip in ‘SIX’ (Credit: History)

Warning: This post contains spoilers for the Season 1 finale of History’s SIX.

Did you gasp? How could you not. In the Season 1 finale of SIX, Seal Team 6 managed to rescue Rip (Walton Goggins), Na’omi (Nondumiso Tembe), and the schoolgirls. Back in the States, Rip took full responsibility for the 2014 incident that set the story in motion, forwent the party held in his honor (and Jackie’s guacamole), and said he was going to drive to Idaho to see his father. He made a stop at the pier, where he was standing alone in the dark when a young woman approached him asking if she could take a video. And then she shot him. It was Marissa (Christine Lane), the young woman from Oregon that we’d seen Michael (Dominic Adams) recruiting over the computer earlier in the season. The final words of the hour? Marissa on the phone asking someone “Who’s next?”

The show’s creators — David Broyles and screenwriter William Broyles (Jarhead, Apollo 13) — say it’s a cliffhanger. After all, we don’t see Rip die. (And, let us not forget that Goggins is the man whose Justified character, Boyd Crowder, was originally scripted to pass in the FX drama’s pilot; he lasted all six seasons). But, for now, Goggins sounds very satisfied with the powerful journey he was able to take with Rip in eight episodes.

Here, Goggins and co-stars Barry Sloane (Bear) and Dominic Adams (Michael) — who are both definitely returning for Season 2 — join the creators in looking back at key scenes from the season’s final hour.

(Credit: History)

The Pier

Was Rip really heading back to see the father we learned in episode 7 had been physically abusive? “I think great journeys in a person’s life… Lord knows I’ve been on a few where on the other side of it, you just need distance from it to truly understand how you’re impacted,” Goggins says. “I think Rip was in a place of deep reflection, and a part of that for a lot of people is going back to these great wounds in our life and trying to understand them, because you’re just trying to understand your place in the world because of them. I think that that was a part of his decision to go back and see his father. Whether he actually would have made it or not, I don’t know.”

The cast received two versions of the finale script: one in an email, which had the real conclusion, and one that was printed, which ended with Rip on the pier lighting a cigarette and smiling. Sloane admits he lost it reading the second one: “I immediately texted the producers like, ‘You pulled back, you’re not being brave enough!'” he says, laughing. “They were like, ‘We’re not giving the crew the actual script, you idiot.’ I was like, ‘Oh yeah, yeah, of course, I know that.’ But also, Walton didn’t want the crew knowing until they filmed it as well. I just loved that whole last segment because of the Americana of it all, the way that he is on screen, you’re kind of living there with him, happy and sad for him and wondering where he’s gonna go next. And to have him shot on American soil…”

Christine Lane as Marissa (Credit: History)

The creators did legitimately weigh other options for Rip’s fate, including having him succeed in sacrificing himself for Na’omi and the girls during the raid or having him reunite with Na’omi to start a school. The latter “happy ending” didn’t feel earned (“One of the things we talked about from the beginning is that there is a cost of war, and that there are consequences for our actions. Eventually someone has to pay the tab,” David says). The former wouldn’t haven given David, a military special operations vet, the chance to explore the feelings of disorientation and loss in coming back from war and leaving the military.

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Related: History’s SIX: 5 Things to Know About the Navy SEAL Drama Starring Walton Goggins

Take, for instance, Bear’s interrupted conversation with Rip, when he asks Rip if he’d really meant what he said about SEAL Team 6 in that video Michael made him film earlier in the season. In the end, Bear didn’t want to know the answer, Sloane says. “I don’t want to know the truth now, because if he says that he did mean it, I don’t know what that does to me. I don’t know if I can function around him. That’s a big moment,” Sloane says. “And also, the degree to which Bear’s grown from the start of the season to here — he doesn’t need to know. He’s his own man. It’s like, ‘We’re good. I’m glad you’re home. I’m gonna move forward. You just take care of yourself, because I’m good.’ I want people not entirely sure what was going on in both of their heads, and we’ll never get to resolve that obviously.”

(Credit: History)

Goggins’ favorite scene (which is saying a lot, he notes, because he had moments with the actors that he’ll carry with him always), is when Rip’s in the restaurant alone. “Someone, having just seen these news clippings of this guy, comes up to Rip and refers to Arabs as ‘ragheads’ and offers to pay for Rip’s dinner. The look in Rip’s eyes — what he’s saying is, ‘You have no idea what the world is really about because you have chosen not to really look at it. You don’t know what I’ve seen, and you have cloistered yourself,'” Goggins says. “And in some ways, it’s what we’re experiencing in our country, regardless of what side you’re on, if you’re a Liberal or a Conservative, you just live, as so often said, in an echo chamber. [Rip’s saying], ‘Well, you know what? I’ve seen the world, and I know better now than to honor your overture,’ and that really meant the world to me. I really needed for Rip to have that experience.”

(Credit: History)

The biggest debate producers hand in the end, Bill says, turned out to be whether Rip should get out of his truck at his welcome home party. “Some of us, me for example, argued wrongly that he should come into the party,” he says. “That scene between him and Ortiz [Juan Pablo Raba] was really one of my favorite scenes in the whole show.”

Together, those interactions capture what David wanted to convey. “I think a lot of people come back and they don’t recognize anything anymore. They don’t fit in anymore. They’re not a part of it anymore,” he says. “And to see that through Rip, and to explore it in those moments, was really fulfilling for me and for us, and it seemed to make sense within the context of him. He could never go back. He had given up too much. When he was on that video and giving that confession — you can’t go back after that. To see his displacement and the realization that he doesn’t really have a home anymore, it couldn’t end any other way.”

As for having Marissa shoot Rip, Bill says it was a bit of a Chekhov’s gun thing: “You put a gun on the wall in Act One, you need to fire it in Act Two. We had Michael recruiting that girl in Oregon from episode 102, and again in 105. And she was like the gun that he was putting on the wall, and her path from innocence to involvement went the reverse direction from Rip’s from involvement to redemption,” he says. “It’s just a feeling that it was the right thing.”

One thing to be clear about: although Rip felt alone, his redemption had brought him peace. “I think that was the most uplifting thing for me about this entire journey,” Goggins says. “I think in the course of being given the opportunity to not just save the girls — that’s one element of it, for sure — but really to lean into [Michael], the person that he thought was his enemy, and see the similarities that they both shared, that was the journey that saved him. In saving other people and listening to the person that he was told not to listen to, he himself was saved.”

Dominic Adams as Michael (Credit: History)

Michael’s Decision

Rip’s life was literally saved by those skillfully crafted conversations between him and Michael in episode 7. As the SEALs closed in on Michael in the finale, he could have shot and killed Rip, but he couldn’t pull the trigger.

Related: ‘SIX’ Episode 7 Postmortem: Dominic Adams Talks Michael and Rip — and One of TV’s Timeliest Backstories

It’s an important moment for Adams because, just like when Michael has expressed guilt over his brother’s death, it shows that Michael isn’t a man who has lost all sense of humanity. “He understands that death is a part of what it is he’s trying to achieve. However, he is not beholden to or defined by or fixated on death and torture,” he says. “He is trying to lead things in a different way, which we see through the social media, the recruiting, the much more modern, sophisticated elements. This man is not a savage.”

That’s what drew the British actor to the role in the first place: “It’s just such a complicated and fascinating idea to me that this person isn’t just mindless, crazy, and bloodthirsty,” Adams says. “It’s also been fascinating to watch people’s reaction as they watched the show and started to realize that, and became confused by how they view Michael. That’s really been the greatest nod to what the creators, the writers, myself, all of us have tried to work towards in portraying Michael — to have people confused as to what he represents and how he represents that. It was important for me that we try to get across this notion that people might actually empathize or sympathize with Michael. Because, ultimately, for me, it all comes back to humanity. It’s not about politics, it’s not about which side you’re on; it’s about humanity and human beings and that’s what we share in common. We’re all humans, and we all deserve the same level of respect and understanding. And the minute we do that, the better the place we’re gonna be in, in society.”

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Bear’s Breakthrough

Sloane looked back at Bear’s journey in our finale preview: he’s a man who worries that his baby’s life was taken because his job requires him to kill, and viewers wanted to see him heal. The big moment came when Esther (Tyla Harris) was suddenly caught in the crossfire between the SEALs and Michael’s men. “The whole season is about Bear saving his brother, saving Rip, being there and making sure that Rip is taken care of. The fact that in the end, he risks his life for the girl and he chooses to stay and save the girl rather than going to save Rip is a big shift in his psyche,” Sloane says. “It’s sort of like redemption for the lost daughter, a lot of the guilt leaving from him. And also, quite matter-of-factly, it’s something he’s proud to do. ‘I’m just gonna go and save the girl because she needs saving.’ That’s how they go.”

Barry Sloane as Bear (Credit: History)

The hug that Bear shares with Na’omi after the dust settles is a touching moment, partly because Bear hears the “thank you” she asks him to relay to Rip, and partly because Bear needs that embrace, too. “I think Bear has an admiration for what she’d been through in order to save those girls. They have a mutual respect for each other in that moment, and it’s very lovely,” Sloane says.

(Credit: History)

One of his favorite moments is when Bear goes to see injured Rip before Rip’s airlifted and Rip asks if Bear and his wife, Lena (Brianne Davis), named their daughter Sarah. “He just says, ‘Yeah.’ Wow, that gets me every time. That’s what you do for a friend. You don’t give them any more s–t when they’re in the s–t,” he says. “And also it’s like, ‘Yes, we did call her that.’ It’s a release. It’s a finality. It’s letting her go, letting him go, and becoming a new man. Being reborn, I suppose. Which will be interesting for Season 2.”

Related: Barry Sloane Looks Back at 3 Key Moments in Season 1

Looking Ahead

Again, the creators prefer to play it close to the vest. But what they will say is Michael will definitely be in the picture. As Adams explains, “What is clear in that ending is that there is still a lot of reach to Michael’s organization. I think in Season 2 we are going to continue to see this is a heavily financed, very deeply connected terrorist organization. It doesn’t just end with Muttaqi [who Rip killed]. It doesn’t end with Michael. There’s a lot of deep, dark connections to be explored and to come to light, and I think that’s going to be fascinating to see how all of that ties in.”

SEAL Team 6 will, of course, have some “really, really, really interesting, dangerous, exciting, and we hope dramatic things” to do, Bill promises. They’re looking forward to exploring all the characters more, including Fishbait (Jaylen Moore), the Muslim-American SEAL who’s based on one of David’s own late teammates. “What’s going on in the States is going to affect them,” Bill says. “And clearly we have a Muslim SEAL, we have a Hispanic SEAL, we have an African-American SEAL. We may be adding another SEAL that has a very different point of view.”

Related: ‘SIX’ Episode 6 Postmortem: Edwin Hodge Talks Chase’s Backstory, #BlackRiflesMatter Patch

If Sloane gets his way, Bear and Lena, who’d left him while he was gone, will reconcile — if only so Bear can have that surgery to help increase their chances of getting pregnant again. “First of all, I can’t wait for the scene where he has the operation or he’s in the waiting room at the clinic. It’d be brilliant. I’m always like, ‘Please put him in places that he doesn’t want to be and watch him squirm.’ His social awkwardness is great to watch,'” Sloane says. (“He loves those doctors,” David acknowledges with a hearty laugh. Adds Bill, “We’ll see how easy it is for them to reconcile. I wouldn’t bet on it being simple.”)

And finally, if that is the last we see of Rip, Goggins is content. “I have been very, very lucky over the course of my career: from The Shield coming on right after 9/11, to Justified and the plight of rural America over the last decade, to Venus on Sons of Anarchy and the plight of the transgender and gay community in the last eight years, to race relations in this country while I was doing The Hateful Eight, to Vice Principals, to this,” he says. “For me, it’s been luck to be at the center of some of these very incendiary conversations that have been a part of our national conversation that we must have, that we are having, whether we like it or whether we don’t. I think this show is a real reflection of that at a time that not a lot of people really expected to happen. I’m just so grateful and gratified by the courage of this network, and these actors, and these storytellers to tell the story in this way. I have been reached out to on social media by a number of people on both sides of the issue, and it has served as a real watering hole for people to come together and to begin to say, ‘I’m not going to be dictated to by the filter of news that I’m exposing myself to. I’m actually going to watch this and I’m going to be affected by it. I’m going to be opened by it.’ It’s not easy, and change isn’t easy. The next step, whatever that is, for us as a country and as a united people, isn’t easy. And so I’m really proud to have been given this opportunity to participate in this way.”

A 10-episode second season of SIX will begin shooting in July.

Read more on Yahoo TV: ‘Legion’ Recap: The Shadow King ‘Farscape’ Star Claudia Black Revisits Aeryn Sun’s On- and Off-Screen Feminist Journey ‘The Expanse’ Co-Creator: If You Have Something to Say, ‘Invite Them In With Genre’

#William Broyles #_revsp:wp.yahoo.tv.us #SIX #David Broyles #Barry Sloane #_author:Mandi Bierly #Dominic Adams #_uuid:a178560c-79f4-33ec-af68-550b5cd1e16f #Walton Goggins #_lmsid:a0Vd000000AE7lXEAT #History Channel

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